You are here:

The Mad

Name: The Mad
Director: John Kalangis
Released: 2007
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

2007

Director

John Kalangis

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Mad follows a conventional horror-thriller framework that relies heavily on traditional cinematic patterns. The narrative focuses on a survivalist plot involving a father and daughter, which reinforces standard familial and gender hierarchies rather than challenging them. Because the film adheres to established genre clichés without introducing perspectives that reflect multiple aspects of identity or diverse character's ability to drive the story, it lacks progressive narrative depth. The absence of information regarding racial or ethnic diversity further limits its inclusive scope. Ultimately, the work functions as a standard genre piece that avoids social critique or the deconstruction of systemic hierarchies, resulting in a very low diversity profile.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Mad have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers on a traditional family unit with a doctor and his daughter. There is no visible representation of non-binary gender identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Mad portray gender?

Fair

The plot utilizes a standard protector and protected dynamic between a father and his teenage daughter. The male figure appears to hold the primary role in driving the story within this conventional hierarchy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Mad?

Minimal

The film provides no information regarding the racial or ethnic composition of its cast. Without evidence of diverse casting, the representation remains at a baseline level.

How does The Mad represent religion and culture?

Limited

Set at a Western truck stop, the film follows standard horror clichés. It lacks any critique of Western institutions, religion, or social structures.

Does The Mad include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication that neurodivergence or physical disabilities play a role in the character arcs. Mental health conditions are not integrated into the narrative drivers.

Present on Screen

The film establishes a clear, central familial bond between the doctor and his daughter to drive the survival plot.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on conventional gender roles and protector dynamics that lack subversion.
There is a complete absence of visible racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ representation.
The story lacks engagement with disability or neurodivergent perspectives within its character arcs.

Official Synopsis

A doctor and his teenage daughter are trapped in a truck stop, and terrorized by a horde of flesh-eating zombies.

How are these scores produced? →