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The Smoke

Name: The Smoke
Director: Ben Pickering
Released: 2014
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2014

Director

Ben Pickering

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film 'The Smoke' functions as a conventional crime thriller that relies heavily on established genre clichés. It follows a standard masculine storyline of crisis and confrontation without challenging social hierarchies. The movie lacks meaningful representation of diverse identities, focusing instead on a homogeneous social setting. Character dynamics and plot points adhere to traditional Western frameworks without exploring varied lived experiences. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes individual struggle and criminal proximity over broader social or cultural commentary.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Smoke have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-cisgender identities. The central romantic relationship is between Brad and Sasha, following a traditional heterosexual structure.

How does The Smoke portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist who navigates personal and professional challenges. Female characters such as Sasha serve mainly as catalysts for the male lead’s emotional journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Smoke?

Limited

The narrative implies a predominantly white, Western demographic through the use of character names. There is no indication of intentional ethnic diversity or a racially varied cast.

How does The Smoke represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film employs typical crime-thriller elements like drug dealing and gang involvement. It focuses on individual criminal activities without addressing systemic or cultural issues.

Does The Smoke include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative does not explore neurodivergence or chronic health conditions.

Present on Screen

The film effectively uses familiar crime-thriller motifs like drug dealing and gang involvement.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks diverse character identities and fails to engage with non-cisgender or neurodivergent perspectives.
Gender roles follow traditional clichés, with female characters serving primarily as emotional catalysts for the male lead.
The setting appears culturally homogeneous, lacking intentional ethnic blending or racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

City lawyer Brad Walker is having the worst day of his life. His high-maintenance girlfriend Sasha has left him for his so-called friend Tom and to add insult to injury, he's been fired too. On a night out drowning his sorrows with old friend Dean, he overhears a conversation between Phil and Ben - two drug dealers working for small-time gangster Jack - that will change his life forever...

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