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Something Wicked This Way Comes

Name: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Director: Jack Clayton
Released: 1983
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

0.9/10

Minimal

1983

Director

Jack Clayton

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Something Wicked This Way Comes is a dark fantasy that leans heavily into classical storytelling and established archetypes. The film prioritizes a traditional moral struggle, resulting in a narrative that feels very safe and conventional in its social outlook. The demographic landscape is notably narrow, focusing on a homogeneous, Anglo-centric view of small-town America. This lack of variety extends to the character dynamics, where most ability to act is reserved for male figures. Ultimately, the film serves as a moral fable rather than a tool for social exploration, reinforcing traditional hierarchies and developmental clichés without challenging them.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something Wicked This Way Comes have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional coming-of-age structure without exploring queer identities or non-cisgender gender expressions.

How does Something Wicked This Way Comes portray gender?

Limited

Male characters play central roles and drive the main plot, while female characters have limited influence and are mostly peripheral.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something Wicked This Way Comes?

Minimal

The setting reflects a homogeneous demographic typical of mid-century Americana, with a lack of characters of color having a significant role in driving the story or narrative presence.

How does Something Wicked This Way Comes represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story functions as a moral fable centered on a binary of good versus evil, using traditional moralistic frameworks without exploring complex social critiques.

Does Something Wicked This Way Comes include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not feature prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it explore character arcs defined by physical impairment or neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

The film utilizes a clear, effective moral framework that provides a strong sense of narrative purpose and clarity.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity in its casting and setting, reinforcing a very narrow demographic view.
Female characters are relegated to the periphery and lack the ability to act seen in the male leads.
The story offers no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or diverse gender expressions.

Official Synopsis

In a small American town, a diabolical circus arrives, granting wishes for the townsfolk, but twisted as only the esteemed Mr. Dark can make them. Can two young boys overcome the worst the devil himself can deal out?

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