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Desolation

Name: Desolation
Director: Sam Patton
Released: 2017
Duration: 78 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

2017

Not Rated

Director

Sam Patton

Runtime

78 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Desolation is a psychological thriller that emphasizes atmospheric tension and personal grief over social representation. The film primarily serves as a character study of survival and loss. While the female lead plays a significant role in driving the story in a high-stakes environment, the narrative adheres to traditional structures regarding family and identity. It lacks depth in addressing multi-layered issues or systemic commentary. The film's focus remains on the psychological experience of its central characters, leaving limited room for broader social or cultural exploration.

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Category Breakdown

Does Desolation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or themes related to non-straight identities. The story centers around a mother and her son.

How does Desolation portray gender?

Fair

The main character demonstrates strong women's ability to drive the story as a protector and decision-maker in a survival scenario. However, the story maintains a traditional family structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Desolation?

Limited

The film features a typical Western cast in the Australian Outback setting. It does not emphasize multi-layered racial identities or diverse ethnic backgrounds.

How does Desolation represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into grief and the fragility of the nuclear family. It uses the wilderness to explore existential isolation rather than providing a systemic cultural critique.

Does Desolation include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any physical, neurodivergent, or sensory disabilities. Characters are defined by emotional trauma rather than functional or cognitive impairments.

Present on Screen

The film showcases strong women's ability to drive the story by positioning the mother as a primary protector and decision-maker.
The narrative provides a nuanced character study through the lens of psychological isolation and grief.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and various forms of disability.
The narrative relies on traditional Western casting and conventional familial structures, limiting racial and cultural complexity.

Official Synopsis

A mother takes her son on a trip into remote wilderness to scatter his father's ashes; they must confront their worst fears when a lone hiker begins following them.

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