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The Cleanse

Name: The Cleanse
Director: Bobby Miller
Released: 2018
Duration: 81 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2018

Director

Bobby Miller

Runtime

81 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Cleanse prioritizes thematic deconstruction over demographic variety. It excels in critiquing Western institutional norms and the fragility of modern social structures, offering a deep exploration of anti-modernity and moral relativism. However, this intellectual depth comes at the expense of characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The cast is largely homogeneous, and the narrative fails to integrate diverse racial, gendered, or queer perspectives into its central conflict. Ultimately, the film operates as a closed ecosystem. While it provides a profound look at the breakdown of social cohesion, it lacks the breadth of representation found in more diverse ensemble pieces.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Cleanse have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature same-sex intimacy or specific LGBTQ+ character arcs. There is no central narrative focused on queer perspectives.

How does The Cleanse portray gender?

Fair

The film features a mixed-gender ensemble but does not prioritize subverting traditional gender roles. The narrative focuses on characters as a collective undergoing psychological erosion.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cleanse?

Limited

The casting is predominantly white, and the isolated retreat setting reinforces a non-diverse social structure. There is little characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

How does The Cleanse represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film strongly critiques Western modernity and consumerist structures. It explores the breakdown of the social contract through a rejection of technology and authority.

Does The Cleanse include disability representation?

Limited

Mental health struggles and psychological trauma serve primarily as plot devices. Characters with these conditions lack ability to act and are used to heighten the film's sense of dread.

Present on Screen

Strong critique of Western modernity and consumerist structures.
Effective exploration of the dissolution of the social contract and traditional authority.
Engages deeply with anti-modernity and anti-capitalist sentiments.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
Absence of meaningful LGBTQ+ character arcs or queer perspectives.
Underutilization of neurodivergence, treating mental health as a mere plot device.

Official Synopsis

The story of a heartbroken man who attends a spiritual retreat, only to discover that the course releases more than everyday toxins and traumatic experiences.

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