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Riley Parra: Better Angels

Name: Riley Parra: Better Angels
Director: Christin Baker
Released: 2019
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2019

TV-MA

Director

Christin Baker

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Riley Parra: Better Angels successfully challenges the traditional heroic institution archetype. By focusing on a female detective battling a corrupt system, the film shifts away from male-dominated crime procedurals and emphasizes individual resilience. The setting of No Man's Land provides a backdrop for exploring socioeconomic exclusion. The story highlights the lived experiences of those living in neglected urban areas. While the film offers a strong critique of institutional corruption, it remains neutral regarding specific LGBTQ+ identities and disability representation. Its strength lies in blending genres to address systemic issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Riley Parra: Better Angels have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly confirm any LGBTQ+ identities or romantic relationships. However, the female lead's actions in navigating a male-dominated police hierarchy hint at a departure from typical gender dynamics.

How does Riley Parra: Better Angels portray gender?

Good

Riley Parra breaks traditional gender roles by serving as a central figure in a violent, high-stakes investigation. She is proactive and takes charge rather than being a passive observer in a male-dominated procedural.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Riley Parra: Better Angels?

Good

The story is set in No Man's Land, which highlights communities that are economically disadvantaged and underrepresented. The narrative centers on the lives of those living in neglected urban areas.

How does Riley Parra: Better Angels represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques Western institutions by depicting the police force as corrupt. It emphasizes the ability to act of individuals over state or religious authority within a supernatural urban battleground.

Does Riley Parra: Better Angels include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by featuring a proactive female protagonist in a high-stakes role.
Critiques institutional corruption and highlights the failure of systemic structures.
Highlights the ability to act of individuals from underrepresented, socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly represent or confirm LGBTQ+ identities or romantic relationships.
Does not depict or focus on characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Does not clearly establish specific ethnic casting details within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

Detective Riley Parra grew up in the bad part of town, the crime-ridden No Man's Land. Now, as a cop in a corrupt department, she strives to make sure the rough streets she left behind aren't forgotten. One case leads her to the discovery that No Man's Land is a battleground between angels and demons, a supernatural war that's been waged for centuries. Thrown into a world she never believed could exist and told that she's the only chance of defeating evil.

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