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This Old Machine

Name: This Old Machine
Director: Brad Garris
Released: 2017
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2017

Director

Brad Garris

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This Old Machine functions as a conventional thriller that prioritizes genre clichés over social complexity. The narrative structure is built around a centralized, traditional protagonist arc, focusing on individual roles within a standard domestic and legal framework. The film lacks visible indicators of multi-layered representation. Instead, it relies on established formulas, such as the male lead seeking justice after a traumatic event, which limits its engagement with diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the production adheres to a narrow social lens, emphasizing a localized, potentially homogeneous environment that does not actively challenge or expand upon traditional social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does This Old Machine have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers on a traditional marriage between Vint and his wife. There is no indication of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does This Old Machine portray gender?

Fair

The plot follows a male protagonist's journey of recovery and reclamation. While Mia provides essential support and plays a significant role in driving the story, the core conflict remains centered around the male lead's trauma.

How racially and ethnically diverse is This Old Machine?

Limited

The narrative focuses on a small-town setting and a central family unit without specifying racial composition. It appears to reflect a potentially homogeneous social environment.

How does This Old Machine represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film operates within a standard Western framework of justice and personal retribution. It follows a linear pursuit of truth through legal and personal investigation.

Does This Old Machine include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's coma and recovery introduce themes of physical vulnerability. It remains unclear if he is given real power beyond being a victim of circumstance.

Present on Screen

Mia provides essential support and plays a significant role in driving the story.
The protagonist's recovery from a coma introduces meaningful themes of physical vulnerability.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on traditional assumptions about straight relationships and gender roles.
The setting and cast lack evidence of racial or ethnic diversity.
The plot follows standard Western justice clichés without exploring broader cultural critiques.

Official Synopsis

Vint is in a troubled marriage. After taking a road trip with his wife they are abducted leaving him for dead and his wife missing. Months later he awakens from a coma, returns home and starts to get his life back in order. Mia his young sister-in-law moves in to take care of him as he recovers. After evidence comes forth and authorities have long given up. The two team up and return to the small town where his wife was last seen. They are led down a violent rabbit-hole where they might not find out the truth behind her disappearance.

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