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Tomb Raider

Name: Tomb Raider
Director: Roar Uthaug
Released: 2018
Duration: 118 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2018

PG-13

Director

Roar Uthaug

Runtime

118 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tomb Raider (2018) stands out for its progressive approach to gender roles, presenting Lara Croft as a highly autonomous and capable female protagonist who drives the plot with her own skills and intelligence. However, the film falls short in terms of characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity, lacking meaningful portrayals of LGBTQ+ identities, disabilities, or diverse racial backgrounds. Despite its strengths, the film's narrow demographic focus limits its potential for a more inclusive narrative.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tomb Raider have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional adventure storyline without any LGBTQ+ characters or representations of non-cisgender identities.

How does Tomb Raider portray gender?

Excellent

Lara Croft is portrayed as a strong, independent woman with full control over her actions and physical abilities. She subverts the damsel in distress cliché by using her tactical skills and intelligence to survive.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tomb Raider?

Fair

The film features a predominantly white cast, with international actors like Daniel Wu appearing. However, it does not delve deeply into multi-ethnic representation or use color-blind casting.

How does Tomb Raider represent religion and culture?

Good

The antagonist, Trinity, is portrayed as a corrupt, globalized paramilitary force. The narrative highlights individual ability to act against systemic corruption and the erosion of traditional authority.

Does Tomb Raider include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters are defined by their physical capabilities and combat readiness. There are no meaningful depictions of neurodivergence, chronic illness, or visible disabilities in the story.

Present on Screen

The film successfully disrupts traditional gender hierarchies by centering a female lead with full control over her actions and intellect.
Lara Croft subverts the damsel in distress cliché by relying on her own tactical skills and intelligence.
The narrative includes a collaborative female dynamic that passes the Bechdel test.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ characters and non-cisgender identities.
There is a notable absence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities, including neurodivergence.
The narrative lacks deep multi-ethnic representation, remaining centered on a white protagonist.

Official Synopsis

Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared.

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