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Insomnium

Name: Insomnium
Director: Scott Powers
Released: 2017
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2017

Director

Scott Powers

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Insomnium operates as a conventional genre piece relying on established clichés of supernatural horror. The narrative centers on a localized mystery within a shared living space, emphasizing interpersonal tension over social commentary. While the film includes specific markers like a Russian landlord and a character using a wheelchair, these elements do not drive a larger critique of social hierarchies. Characters largely inhabit traditional roles within a standard horror framework. Ultimately, the film lacks a pattern of intentional systemic subversion. It functions as a character-driven thriller exploring fear of the unknown rather than deconstructing cultural or gendered norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Insomnium have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on the relationship between George and his girlfriend, Kim. There is no indication of LGBTQ+ identities or challenges to the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Insomnium portray gender?

Fair

The mystery is driven by George's investigation from a male-centric viewpoint. Female characters start the plot with the Ouija board, but their roles remain mostly social or reactive.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Insomnium?

Fair

The film adds cultural richness through Mr. Romanovsky, the Russian landlord. This provides some ethnic specificity to the Los Angeles setting, though the overall cast makeup is not specified.

How does Insomnium represent religion and culture?

Fair

Social elements like alcohol and drug use are shown as part of a casual setting. The film focuses on a localized supernatural mystery without engaging deeper institutional critiques.

Does Insomnium include disability representation?

Fair

The inclusion of a wheelchair suggests a character with a physical disability. However, the depth of this representation is not confirmed.

Present on Screen

Includes ethnic specificity through the character of the Russian landlord.
Features the presence of a character with a physical disability.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities.
Female characters occupy primarily reactive or social roles within the plot.
Does not engage with systemic or anti-institutional themes.

Official Synopsis

Long time friends George and Phinneas share a duplex in Los Angeles. Their Russian landlord, Mr. Romanovsky lives in the upstairs unit. George's girlfriend Kim and her friend Olivia come over and after some drinking, they bring out a Ouija board. That night, Phinneas begins to exhibit disturbing nocturnal behaviour. As George investigates more into his friends behaviour, he suspects that his friend has become possessed by a dark entity

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