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Rites of Passage

Name: Rites of Passage
Director: W. Peter Iliff
Released: 2012
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

2012

Director

W. Peter Iliff

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Rites of Passage operates as a traditional genre thriller, prioritizing suspense and psychological terror over social commentary. The narrative structure relies on established clichés rather than attempting to deconstruct systemic power dynamics or overlapping aspects of identity. The film's focus remains on the survival of an academic group within a ritualistic setting. This narrow thematic scope results in a lack of representation across most identity-driven categories, particularly regarding disability and LGBTQ+ identities. Ultimately, the work functions as a standard thriller that adheres to conventional character structures, offering little engagement with diverse cultural or social perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rites of Passage have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that critique the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Rites of Passage portray gender?

Fair

The characters follow standard gender roles within the student and professor groups. The narrative does not challenge traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rites of Passage?

Limited

The ensemble leans toward a conventional, homogeneous group typical of independent thrillers. There is no evidence of characters of color taking a leading, active role.

How does Rites of Passage represent religion and culture?

Limited

While the plot involves a sacred burial ground, the themes focus on survival and terror. It lacks a sophisticated critique of Western institutions or traditional morality.

Does Rites of Passage include disability representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on the collective experience of the student group. There is no indication of neurodivergence or physical disability being integrated into the narrative.

Present on Screen

The film uses a ritualistic setting to explore themes of spirituality and tradition.

Limited or Absent

The ensemble lacks racial and ethnic diversity, leaning toward a homogeneous group.
There is a complete absence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
The narrative fails to include LGBTQ+ representation or queer ability to act.
Gender roles follow standard archetypes without challenging traditional hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Anthropology students and their professor experience terror when they visit a sacred burial ground.

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