You are here:

The Machine

Name: The Machine
Director: Peter Atencio
Released: 2023
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

7.5/10

Good

2023

Director

Peter Atencio

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Machine uses a science-fiction framework to explore the ethics of autonomy and personhood. By focusing on a humanoid entity's emerging consciousness, the film challenges conventional hierarchies of biological superiority. While the film excels in racial representation through its casting choices, it lacks explicit narratives regarding LGBTQ+ identities or physical disabilities. These elements remain thematic subtexts rather than direct, character-driven stories. Overall, the film provides a progressive perspective by criticizing institutional authority and using its central metaphor to address systemic issues of identity and ability to act.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Machine have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. It also doesn't use any characters to challenge the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Machine portray gender?

Fair

The story challenges traditional power structures by focusing on a non-biological entity as the main character. However, there isn't much emphasis on female-driven plot lines, which limits the impact.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Machine?

Good

Casting a Black actress as the main character in a sci-fi setting breaks typical sci-fi stereotypes. This choice highlights underrepresented identities fighting for recognition within oppressive systems.

How does The Machine represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions corporate authority and the arrogance of perfect technology. It promotes moral relativism by emphasizing emergent consciousness over rigid institutional rules.

Does The Machine include disability representation?

Fair

The machine's struggle to fit into a biological society serves as a symbol for neurodivergent experiences. However, without specific character arcs, this theme remains just a background idea.

Present on Screen

Casting a Black actress in the central role disrupts traditional sci-fi clichés.
The narrative uses the machine's struggle for autonomy as a metaphor for civil rights.
The film effectively critiques the hubris of corporate and scientific authority.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or queer-driven narratives.
There is a lack of nuanced female-driven ability to act within the plot.
Disability and neurodivergence are treated as subtext rather than direct character arcs.

Official Synopsis

Bert Kreischer faces a familial crisis and the arrival of his estranged father when the ghost of his booze-soaked past arrives: a murderous mobster hellbent on kidnapping Bert back to the motherland to atone for his crimes. Together, he and his father must retrace the steps of his younger self in the midst of a war between a sociopathic crime family while they attempt to find common ground.

How are these scores produced? →