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Cheap Thrills

Name: Cheap Thrills
Director: E.L. Katz
Released: 2013
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

2013

Not Rated

Director

E.L. Katz

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cheap Thrills is a socioeconomic thriller that emphasizes class tensions over identity representation. While it lacks demographic diversity, it effectively critiques the predatory nature of economic structures. The film operates within a traditional, straight-centered framework, avoiding subversion of gender or identity norms. However, it excels in its cultural critique of late-stage capitalism, using a postmodern lens to highlight how systemic scarcity undermines traditional ethics and human ability to act.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cheap Thrills have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around a heterosexual couple and does not include any LGBTQ+ narratives or non-traditional gender identities.

How does Cheap Thrills portray gender?

Fair

It portrays a traditional partnership dealing with economic collapse, showing the erosion of dignity for both genders due to capitalist pressures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cheap Thrills?

Limited

The cast and setting reflect a mostly uniform urban environment, with a focus on universal class struggles rather than diverse ethnic groups.

How does Cheap Thrills represent religion and culture?

Good

The film provides a critical look at late-stage capitalism, challenging Western economic systems by depicting survival as a driver of antisocial behavior.

Does Cheap Thrills include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities featured as central to the characters' arcs or the film's development.

Present on Screen

Offers a sophisticated critique of late-stage capitalism and economic scarcity.
Effectively portrays the predatory nature of private wealth over public institutions.
Uses moral relativism to explore how systemic pressures lead to social dysfunction.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-traditional gender expressions.
Features a homogeneous cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Recently fired and facing eviction, a new dad has his life turned upside down when he meets a wealthy couple who offer a path to financial security... but at a price.

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