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Melchior the Apothecary

Name: Melchior the Apothecary
Director: Elmo Nüganen
Released: 2022
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

3.1/10

Limited

2022

Director

Elmo Nüganen

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Melchior the Apothecary is a historically accurate medieval thriller that emphasizes genre conventions and historical realism. The narrative is grounded in established medieval hierarchies, focusing on a professional investigation rather than challenging social norms. The film maintains a traditional approach to representation, mirroring the era it depicts. While the protagonist showcases intellectual influence through his profession, the broader social landscape remains centered on conventional power structures and institutional authority.

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Category Breakdown

Does Melchior the Apothecary have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film adheres closely to a medieval social structure where there is no portrayal of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or relationships.

How does Melchior the Apothecary portray gender?

Fair

Melchior Wakenstede is a male-driven protagonist whose scientific expertise provides him with professional influence, though the overall power dynamics center around male figures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Melchior the Apothecary?

Limited

The setting reflects the demographics of a medieval Baltic trading hub. The film prioritizes historical accuracy over diverse casting that considers multiple aspects of identity.

How does Melchior the Apothecary represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into the tension between scientific exploration and religious institutions. It highlights the impact of the Dominican monastery and civic hierarchies.

Does Melchior the Apothecary include disability representation?

Minimal

None of the characters have visible or hidden disabilities. The storyline centers on the procedural aspects of the murder investigation.

Present on Screen

The protagonist offers a unique depiction of professional competence and scientific influence within a medieval context.
The film upholds high historical authenticity by accurately representing the demographic realities of a Baltic trading hub.

Limited or Absent

The narrative fails to include representations of LGBTQ+ identities or non-conforming gender expressions.
Female characters seem to have limited influence within the established power dynamics.
There is no representation of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In medieval Tallinn, a famous knight who is freed from the pirates of the Baltic Sea is murdered. The hero's head is cut off and his mouth is stuffed with coins. The gold chain he bought the same day is missing. The bailiff orders Melchior, an apothecary, to investigate the crime. The clever young man discovers that the slain was looking for a mysterious "Tallinn prisoner" and the traces lead to the Dominican monastery. A fabulous sequence of bloodwork is unleashed - anyone who comes into contact with this secret is in danger of dying.

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