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A Haunting in Salem

Name: A Haunting in Salem
Director: Shane van Dyke
Released: 2011
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

0.4/10

Minimal

2011

Director

Shane van Dyke

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Haunting in Salem is a conventional horror film that relies on well-established genre clichés. The narrative emphasizes a traditional family unit and a homogeneous demographic, limiting its representation of diverse human experiences. By centering on a sheriff protecting his family from a curse, the film reinforces traditional gender roles and domesticity. It avoids challenging existing social norms and instead opts for a familiar, predictable framework. Ultimately, the film serves as a straightforward supernatural thriller. It lacks intentional diversity, resulting in a narrow perspective that aligns with traditional cinematic norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Haunting in Salem have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. It follows a traditional storyline focused on heterosexual relationships.

How does A Haunting in Salem portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around a nuclear family and a sheriff, emphasizing traditional gender roles and domestic responsibilities. It relies on typical genre archetypes of protection and care.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Haunting in Salem?

Minimal

The main family is shown as a uniform white group. The narrative does not challenge the Anglo-Saxon norm, maintaining a homogeneous demographic.

How does A Haunting in Salem represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film focuses on supernatural elements without addressing religious or systemic issues. It upholds a traditional moral framework centered on family preservation.

Does A Haunting in Salem include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with physical, neurodivergent, or sensory disabilities. The plot focuses solely on the supernatural threat.

Present on Screen

The film employs a clear, traditional nuclear family structure commonly found in horror films.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining largely homogeneous.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ characters or queer identities.
The narrative does not include characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The film does not address or critique systemic religious or cultural structures.

Official Synopsis

When the new sheriff of Salem, Massachusetts discovers that he is the victim of a centuries-old curse, he must protect his family from the vengeful ghosts that torment his home.

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