You are here:

Season of the Devil

Season of the Devil

Representation Score

8.1/10

Excellent

2018

Not Rated

Director

Lav Diaz

Runtime

232 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Lav Diaz’s film stands out for its authentic Filipino perspective that challenges Western cinematic norms. By focusing on local socio-political realities and female political resistance, the film provides a powerful critique of systemic oppression. Despite its strengths, the film falls short in representing diverse identities. It emphasizes traditional marriage structures and lacks LGBTQ+ representation. Additionally, while psychological trauma is a central theme, it is not explored through specific characters with disabilities. Overall, the film successfully elevates underrepresented political voices, though it adheres to more conventional boundaries when it comes to gender and disability representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Season of the Devil have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers around a heterosexual couple dealing with domestic and political issues. There is no indication of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities among the main characters.

How does Season of the Devil portray gender?

Fair

The movie breaks down traditional gender roles by highlighting the professional independence and political defiance of a female character named Lorena. Her disappearance sets off the main storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Season of the Devil?

Excellent

The film features a predominantly Filipino cast and setting, providing a localized, non-Western perspective of the 1970s. It avoids Western-centric narratives to emphasize a genuine Filipino viewpoint.

How does Season of the Devil represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critically examines state institutions and military hierarchies. It delves into how communal memory and propaganda shape historical truths in a post-colonial context.

Does Season of the Devil include disability representation?

Fair

The film addresses the psychological trauma resulting from state terror, presenting it as a societal issue. However, it lacks specific representation of individuals with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Features an authentic Filipino perspective and setting.
  • Highlights women's ability to drive the story and political defiance.
  • Provides a sophisticated critique of state-sponsored terror.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not include LGBTQ+ representation or subtext.
  • Psychological trauma is addressed collectively, not individually.
  • Focuses on traditional partnership structures.

Official Synopsis

In late 1970s Philippines, a military-controlled militia oppresses a remote village, spreading terror both physical and psychological. Fearless young doctor Lorena opens a clinic for the poor but disappears without a trace. Her activist poet husband sets out to find her.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.