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The Host

Name: The Host
Director: Andy Newbery
Released: 2020
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2020

Director

Andy Newbery

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Host is a genre-driven thriller that emphasizes individual control and systemic corruption over identity-focused storytelling. By introducing a Chinese cartel, the film departs from typical Western crime narratives. However, the narrative structure is heavily centered on a male-driven conflict, limiting space for diverse perspectives and underrepresented identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Host have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include visible LGBTQ+ identities. The story focuses solely on the protagonist's journey into criminality without addressing assumptions about straight relationships.

How does The Host portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around a male protagonist navigating a violent world. Female characters may play minor roles and lack significant control over their own stories.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Host?

Fair

The involvement of a Chinese cartel introduces non-Western power dynamics. This provides a break from purely Anglo-centric crime narratives through cross-cultural interactions.

How does The Host represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot explores the collapse of traditional Western professional stability. It shows a shift from structured banking to a chaotic, transnational criminal enterprise.

Does The Host include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions within the story.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of a Chinese cartel introduces non-Western power structures and cross-cultural interactions.
The narrative avoids a purely Anglo-centric perspective by incorporating international criminal elements.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
The focus on a male protagonist limits gender diversity and female control over their stories.
There is no visible representation of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A chance opportunity arises for Robert Atkinson, a London banker who risks his bank's money to leave the mundane behind and start a new life. To take advantage, he unwittingly signs up with a Chinese cartel to transport a briefcase to Amsterdam. But all is not as it seems in a city veiled by dark secrets. Fuelled by power players, drugs, seduction and violence, Robert awaits his turn in a deadly game of choice and consequence.

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