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Holler

Name: Holler
Director: Nicole Riegel
Released: 2021
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2021

Director

Nicole Riegel

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Holler is a character-driven drama centered on the socioeconomic decay of the Rust Belt. It succeeds by challenging the typical upward mobility narrative, presenting the pursuit of education as a potentially destabilizing force for the protagonist's family ties. The film's primary strength lies in its portrayal of a strong female protagonist who is a determined driver of her own fate within a rugged, industrial setting. Ruth Avery is shown as a proactive figure rather than a passive observer of her circumstances. While the film excels in cultural critique and the depiction of women's ability to drive the story, it lacks specific details regarding LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation. The narrative's focus is tightly centered on class and gendered struggle.

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Category Breakdown

Does Holler have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit mentions of LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story focuses primarily on the central sibling relationship and the protagonist's economic struggles.

How does Holler portray gender?

Good

Ruth Avery is a strong, active protagonist who drives the plot through her grit and risk-taking. She navigates a harsh, male-dominated industrial landscape where she plays a significant role in the story's progression.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Holler?

Fair

The story centers on underrepresented socioeconomic groups within a declining manufacturing region. However, the specific racial makeup of the cast is not explicitly detailed.

How does Holler represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film provides a sophisticated critique of failing industrial systems and the American Dream. It explores the tension between personal liberation through education and traditional familial obligations.

Does Holler include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information provided regarding characters with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

Strong female protagonist who demonstrates a significant role in driving the story and determination.
Sophisticated critique of industrial decline and the failures of capitalism.
Nuanced exploration of the tension between individual advancement and family loyalty.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or queer narratives.
Absence of information regarding disability representation.
Unclear details regarding the racial and ethnic diversity of the cast.

Official Synopsis

In a forgotten pocket of Southern Ohio where American manufacturing and opportunity are drying up, a determined young woman finds a ticket out when she is accepted to college. Alongside her older brother, Ruth Avery joins a dangerous scrap metal crew in order to pay her way. Together, they spend one brutal winter working the scrap yards during the day and stealing valuable metal from the once thriving factories by night. With her goal in sight, Ruth finds that the ultimate cost of an education for a girl like her may be more than she bargained for, and she soon finds herself torn between a promising future and the family she would leave behind.

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