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A Dark, Dark Man

Name: A Dark, Dark Man
Director: Adilkhan Yerzhanov
Released: 2020
Duration: 130 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2020

Director

Adilkhan Yerzhanov

Runtime

130 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Dark, Dark Man provides a localized, authentic Kazakhstani perspective that disrupts Anglo-centric storytelling norms. By centering its narrative within a specific regional geography, the film offers a high degree of ethnic specificity and cultural ability to act. However, the film's representational breadth is limited. The narrative architecture is heavily weighted toward male-driven conflict and professional hierarchies, leaving little room for diverse gendered perspectives or multi-layered identities. Ultimately, while the film excels in cultural authenticity and institutional critique, the absence of LGBTQ+ and disability representation prevents a higher diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Dark, Dark Man have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore queer themes.

How does A Dark, Dark Man portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on male psychological states and professional hierarchies, following a traditional masculine framework without significant female influence or subversion of gendered power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Dark, Dark Man?

Excellent

The film achieves cultural authenticity by centering a Kazakhstani cast and setting, avoiding a Western perspective and prioritizing regional identity and local ability to act.

How does A Dark, Dark Man represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques state institutions by depicting a local police force that bypasses procedure. It explores the friction between centralized authority and local reality through a lens of systemic corruption.

Does A Dark, Dark Man include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities serving as central narrative drivers or plot devices.

Present on Screen

High level of cultural authenticity through a Kazakhstani cast and setting.
Effective disruption of Western-centric storytelling norms.
Nuanced critique of systemic corruption and institutional procedures.

Limited or Absent

Lack of significant female influence or subversion of traditional gender roles.
Absence of LGBTQ+ characters or explorations of queer identities.
No representation of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A boy is murdered in Kazakh village. Detective Bekzat wants to wrap up the inquiries quickly: after all, the perpetrator has already been found by local police officers. But when a journalist arrives from the city, everything falls to pieces. For the first time in his career, Bekzat must conduct a real investigation according to procedure.

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