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Curling King

Name: Curling King
Director: Ole Endresen
Released: 2011
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Fair

2011

Director

Ole Endresen

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kong Curling stands out through its nuanced portrayal of mental health. By focusing on a protagonist managing OCD, the film goes beyond simple clichés to explore the tension between medication and personal autonomy. However, the film remains confined within a traditional demographic framework. The setting and character dynamics suggest a homogeneous, male-dominated environment with limited LGBTQ+ or racial diversity. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its psychological depth, while it adheres to conventional social structures regarding gender and ethnicity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Curling King have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not focus on LGBTQ+ identities or romantic relationships. It centers on the protagonist's personal journey and his relationship with his coach.

How does Curling King portray gender?

Fair

The story follows a traditional male-centric framework focused on competitive sports and male camaraderie. It does not challenge traditional gender hierarchies or portray masculinity as farcical.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Curling King?

Limited

Set during the Norwegian Curling Championship, the film focuses on a localized social circle. The cast appears to be a homogeneous ensemble typical of regional European comedies.

How does Curling King represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores themes of individual ability to act versus medical authority. It provides a grounded look at systemic healthcare through the lens of a dying mentor and medical costs.

Does Curling King include disability representation?

Good

The film offers meaningful representation by centering on a character with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It explores the functional realities of neurodivergence rather than using it as mere mockery.

Present on Screen

Offers a complex, actively leading portrayal of a protagonist living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Explores the nuanced tension between medical protocols and individual autonomy.
Avoids common 'inspiration porn' clichés by focusing on the functional realities of neurodivergence.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer romantic arcs.
Maintains a traditional, masculine-centric framework centered on male camaraderie.
Features a homogeneous cast with little evidence of multi-ethnic or racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

Once a great curling star, Truls Paulsen is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and banned from competition. But when he learns that his old friend and coach Gordon is on his deathbed, Truls, heavily-medicated decides to compete again, in the hopes of winning money for Gordon to have an operation in the US. Truls stops taking the meds and tries to convince his old team mates that he is mentally stable enough to lead them to victory in the Norwegian Curling Championship. But, is it a good sign that he obsessively insists his teammates pull their zippers all the way up before they can play?

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