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Taking Earth

Name: Taking Earth
Director: Grant Humphreys
Released: 2017
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

2017

Not Rated

Director

Grant Humphreys

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Taking Earth operates as a conventional science fiction piece that adheres to established genre clichés. The narrative structure centers on a survivalist arc with a singular protagonist, limiting opportunities for multi-layered character development. The film lacks engagement with queer identities or the subversion of traditional gender hierarchies. By focusing the fate of the planet on a single boy, the story follows a predictable masculine leadership model. While the South African production context suggests a multi-ethnic cast, the film does not demonstrate intentional narrative subversion. It focuses on maintaining the existing global order rather than critiquing systemic structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Taking Earth have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any characters with LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender traits. The storyline revolves around a high-stakes survival situation during an alien invasion.

How does Taking Earth portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a young boy who serves as the main driver of change. This focus on a single male protagonist follows a traditional hero's journey structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Taking Earth?

Fair

As a South African production, the film exists within a diverse cultural setting. However, the narrative does not explicitly use diverse identities to challenge power structures.

How does Taking Earth represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative uses standard alien invasion clichés focused on global survival. It does not appear to critique traditional institutions or explore secular or anti-Western themes.

Does Taking Earth include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about the inclusion of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities. No assessment of representation in this area can be made.

Present on Screen

The South African production context provides a baseline for regional demographic inclusion and a multi-ethnic cast.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on traditional hero clichés centered on a single male protagonist.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-cisgender characters.
The narrative fails to engage with disability representation or neurodivergent characters.
The plot follows standard survivalist clichés without offering systemic or cultural critiques.

Official Synopsis

The human race is thrown into chaos as an alien invasion takes control of the planet in an effort to find one boy out of 7 billion people who holds the power to destroy them.

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