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American Poltergeist

Name: American Poltergeist
Director: Mike Rutkowski
Released: 2015
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2015

Director

Mike Rutkowski

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

American Poltergeist operates as a conventional genre piece that emphasizes supernatural tension over social complexity. While it avoids common male-centric horror clichés by centering a female lead, the narrative lacks broader multi-layered depth. The film's focus on a localized, potentially homogeneous setting in Massachusetts suggests a lack of racial and ethnic diversity. Without evidence of diverse casting or systemic critiques, the story remains within traditional storytelling boundaries. Ultimately, the film offers a standard horror experience. It grants a significant role in driving the story to its female lead but does not disrupt social or cultural norms through its character demographics or thematic scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does American Poltergeist have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit references to LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The main focus is on the supernatural elements and the protagonist, Taryn.

How does American Poltergeist portray gender?

Fair

Taryn serves as the central female protagonist with a strong connection to the haunted house. This gives her a significant role in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is American Poltergeist?

Limited

There is no indication of a multi-ethnic cast in the synopsis. The setting suggests a potentially homogeneous American experience.

How does American Poltergeist represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows traditional horror themes centered around a sinister past. It does not appear to challenge Western institutions or social power dynamics.

Does American Poltergeist include disability representation?

Minimal

The film provides no information regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film centers on a female protagonist, Taryn, who plays a significant role in driving the story.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing on a homogeneous cast.
There is no visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
The film does not engage with systemic critiques or diverse cultural perspectives.

Official Synopsis

A group of friends move into a vacation home with a sinister past in Fall River, Massachusetts. Suspicious of the home's owner, Taryn feels a strong connection to the house and finds herself at the center of one of the most deadly poltergeists in American history.

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