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Gogol. Viy

Name: Gogol. Viy
Director: Egor Baranov
Released: 2018
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

2018

Director

Egor Baranov

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Gogol. Viy is a dark fantasy set in the 19th century that prioritizes authenticity to Slavic folklore over progressive representation. It serves as a cultural preservation piece, emphasizing traditional social and religious structures of the time. The film’s narrative structure relies on well-established genre conventions. While it successfully captures a strong sense of regional identity, it does not challenge traditional norms, resulting in lower diversity scores. Overall, the film reinforces traditional social and religious norms, positioning itself as a classic horror experience rather than a modern exploration of identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Gogol. Viy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the 19th-century societal norms where heterosexual relationships are the norm. There are no LGBTQ+ narratives in the story, focusing instead on the romance between Nikolai Gogol and Liza.

How does Gogol. Viy portray gender?

Limited

Women such as Liza and Ulyana play key roles in the plot but are mainly defined by their relationships to men. The film upholds traditional gender roles and romantic ideals.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Gogol. Viy?

Fair

The film highlights the unique cultural identity of the Ukrainian region through folklore. However, the cast is ethnically uniform, reflecting the historical context of the rural Dikanka area.

How does Gogol. Viy represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story is enriched by religious symbols and the influence of the church. It emphasizes traditional spiritual and community structures as fundamental to its world-building.

Does Gogol. Viy include disability representation?

Limited

Nikolai Gogol experiences disturbing visions and physical seizures. These elements serve primarily as plot devices to enhance the horror atmosphere rather than exploring the realities of disability.

Present on Screen

Immersive portrayal of Ukrainian folklore and Slavic aesthetics.
Strong representation of regional cultural traditions.

Limited or Absent

Absence of LGBTQ+ narratives or non-traditional gender identities.
Dependence on traditional gender roles and masculine leadership.
Use of seizures and visions as plot devices rather than realistic disability depiction.
Heavy emphasis on traditional religious and social structures.

Official Synopsis

A mysterious Dark Horseman slays young girls near the village of Dikanka, and he has already butchered 11 ladies. Nikolai Gogol, a scribe from Saint Petersburg has to take charge of the investigation, but the closer he gets to solving the case, the more fits he has, causing macabre visions. When he learns the next victim is his beloved, Liza, he doubts that he can protect her and resist the murderer. Fortunately, he meets somebody who can help him: Khoma Brut, the witch hunter, martial artist and philosopher. Together they spend three dreadful nights in an old chapel reading the funeral service for Ulyana, the witch, and calling upon the ghastly evil spirit Viy.

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