You are here:

Combat Obscura

Name: Combat Obscura
Director: Miles Lagoze
Released: 2018
Duration: 70 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

2018

Director

Miles Lagoze

Runtime

70 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Combat Obscura is a raw, observational documentary that prioritizes historical documentation over intentional social subversion. Because the film relies on personal combat footage from the Afghan war zone, the narrative is dictated by the realities of military operations rather than character-driven diversity. The subjects are primarily U.S. Marines, which naturally limits the scope of representation to the demographic compositions of that specific military era. The film serves as a record of state-sanctioned action rather than a platform for storytelling that highlights multiple aspects of diversity. Ultimately, the lack of diversity is a byproduct of the film's institutional focus, documenting a specific, traditional military environment rather than attempting to disrupt social hierarchies or highlight underrepresented identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Combat Obscura have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on U.S. Marines in a combat zone and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Combat Obscura portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on a historically male-dominated military institution and lacks evidence of women's ability to drive the story or the subversion of traditional masculine hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Combat Obscura?

Fair

The footage captures U.S. Marines, suggesting a moderate likelihood of racial diversity within the ranks. However, no specific high-profile characters of color are identified.

How does Combat Obscura represent religion and culture?

Limited

The work functions as a historical record of Western military action and lacks themes that critique or explore non-Western cultural perspectives.

Does Combat Obscura include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding the portrayal of neurodivergence or physical disabilities. The footage does not depict characters with disabilities possessing significant roles.

Present on Screen

Provides an authentic, observational look at U.S. Marines through personal combat footage.
Functions as a direct historical record of military operations in the Afghan war zone.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of women's ability to drive the story or gender subversion within the military narrative.
Does not explore LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth perspectives.
Offers limited insight into disability, neurodivergence, or mental health conditions.

Official Synopsis

Former combat videographer Miles Lagoze presents personal footage of U.S. Marines in the Afghan war zone.

How are these scores produced? →