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Troll

Name: Troll
Director: John Carl Buechler
Released: 1986
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

1986

PG-13

Director

John Carl Buechler

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Troll is a creature feature that focuses on suspense and practical effects rather than social commentary. It adheres to traditional genre conventions, emphasizing the supernatural invasion narrative over identity-focused storytelling. The film sticks closely to the established norms of its time, reinforcing conventional social structures. Characters are primarily defined by their roles in the central conflict rather than by complex social identities. Overall, the film offers a narrow view of the world, mirroring the typical Hollywood landscape of 1986.

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Category Breakdown

Does Troll have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. The character interactions follow a traditional framework that assumes everyone is straight.

How does Troll portray gender?

Fair

Wendy, a young girl, serves as the emotional core and main witness to the supernatural events. However, her role is largely reactive and follows traditional gender stereotypes from the 1980s.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Troll?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting typical demographics of mid-1980s films. The San Francisco setting does not explore racial diversity or intersecting identities.

How does Troll represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story centers around a traditional Western family structure, maintaining a clear moral divide between humans and monsters.

Does Troll include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with physical or cognitive disabilities. Characters are portrayed using typical health models without addressing specific disabilities.

Present on Screen

The narrative centers around a young female character.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity among its cast.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
The story does not include characters dealing with physical or cognitive disabilities.
The cultural framework is limited to a traditional Western, nuclear family perspective.

Official Synopsis

When a family moves into a San Francisco apartment, an opportunistic troll decides to make his move and take possession of little Wendy, thereby paving the way for new troll recruits, the first in his army that will take eventual control of the planet. We soon discover Torok is the ex-husband of Eunice St. Clair, a resident in the building who was married to Torok.

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