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Rift

Name: Rift
Director: Erlingur Thoroddsen
Released: 2017
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2017

Director

Erlingur Thoroddsen

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Rift successfully challenges conventional genre expectations by placing a queer romantic relationship at the heart of its plot. This focus on Gunnar and Einar's relationship provides a fresh perspective compared to typical horror narratives. The film also redefines traditional masculinity by highlighting the psychological vulnerabilities of its male characters rather than their physical prowess. This approach offers a deeper exploration of emotional complexity. However, the film's cast and setting are predominantly homogeneous, resulting in limited multi-layered diversity. This focus on a single cultural context restricts the range of experiences and backgrounds represented.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rift have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers a romantic relationship between Gunnar and Einar, challenging typical horror stories that focus on straight relationships.

How does Rift portray gender?

Good

By emphasizing emotional vulnerability and psychological instability, the film shifts away from traditional masculine stereotypes that focus on physical strength.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rift?

Fair

The film's setting and cast suggest a lack of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, limiting the range of cultural experiences presented.

How does Rift represent religion and culture?

Good

Set in a secluded environment, the film explores personal morality and ethical dilemmas, stripping away societal norms to highlight individual choices and beliefs.

Does Rift include disability representation?

Minimal

The film includes characters dealing with significant psychological distress, though it does not clearly depict these as specific, diagnosed conditions.

Present on Screen

Centers a romantic relationship between Gunnar and Einar, breaking away from typical horror narratives.
Highlights emotional vulnerability and psychological instability over physical strength.
Explores intricate interpersonal relationships and unconventional dynamics.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity among the cast and setting.
Focuses on a homogeneous cultural context, limiting characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

Official Synopsis

Months after they broke up, Gunnar receives a strange phone call from his ex-boyfriend, Einar. He sounds distraught, like he's about to do something terrible to himself. Gunnar drives up to the secluded cabin where Einar is holed up and soon discovers that there's more going on than he imagined. As the two men come to terms with their broken relationship, some other person seems to be lurking outside the cabin, wanting to get in.

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