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The Hole in the Ground

Name: The Hole in the Ground
Director: Lee Cronin
Released: 2019
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

2019

Director

Lee Cronin

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Hole in the Ground is a classic folk-horror movie that focuses on creating a scary atmosphere rather than addressing social issues. While it presents a strong female character, it sticks to traditional demographics. The film uses well-known genre clichés, such as isolated rural settings and a homogeneous cast, which limits its ability to explore complex social issues. It serves as a psychological thriller rather than a story that addresses broader societal problems. Overall, the story lacks diverse casting and deeper social themes needed to go beyond a typical genre piece.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Hole in the Ground have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters and focuses solely on a family unit where everyone is assumed to be straight and cisgender.

How does The Hole in the Ground portray gender?

Fair

Sarah O'Neill plays a central role, showing strength and resilience as a mother. However, the story doesn't challenge traditional views on masculinity or gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Hole in the Ground?

Minimal

The cast is made up of white actors from a rural background, typical of folk-horror films. There is no diversity in ethnicity or race.

How does The Hole in the Ground represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story looks at the vulnerability of Western family life and isolation from community support. It focuses on supernatural fears rather than critiquing religion or economic systems.

Does The Hole in the Ground include disability representation?

Limited

Behaviors in the child that suggest neurodivergence are used mainly to create tension and fear. These behaviors don't show the child having control or being empowered.

Present on Screen

The film provides a detailed look at female strength and maternal resilience during a crisis.

Limited or Absent

The film needs more diverse casting and complex social themes.
Using behaviors suggesting neurodivergence as horror devices lacks character development.
The story focuses on a narrow, homogeneous demographic.

Official Synopsis

Trying to escape her broken past, Sarah O’Neill is building a new life on the fringes of a backwood rural town with her young son Chris. A terrifying encounter with a mysterious neighbour shatters her fragile security, throwing Sarah into a spiralling nightmare of paranoia and mistrust, as she tries to uncover if the disturbing changes in her little boy are connected to an ominous sinkhole buried deep in the forest that borders their home.

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