You are here:

The Heretics

Name: The Heretics
Director: Chad Archibald
Released: 2017
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2017

Director

Chad Archibald

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Heretics is a traditional genre film that emphasizes suspense and horror mechanics over diverse representation. The narrative centers on a female character's supernatural transformation and the tension of surviving against a predatory group. While the film features a female protagonist, it relies on established horror clichés like the 'damsel' or 'victim' archetype rather than offering complex gender dynamics. The setting and cast remain largely homogeneous, lacking in racial or ethnic diversity. Ultimately, the film leverages themes of ritual and biological change to create psychological horror. It avoids deeper critiques of systemic power, religion, or social structures, functioning primarily as a survivalist thriller.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Heretics have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-cisgender identities. It follows a traditional horror storyline that does not address identity-based narratives or question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Heretics portray gender?

Fair

A young female character drives the plot through a physical transformation. However, she fits the 'victim' archetype rather than challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Heretics?

Limited

The story features a mostly homogenous cast in an isolated environment. There is no indication of diverse casting or a cast that challenges Anglo-centric norms.

How does The Heretics represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film employs cult-like themes and ritual manipulation typical of horror movies. It focuses on survival and the breakdown of authority rather than critiquing religious or Western values.

Does The Heretics include disability representation?

Limited

The protagonist's physical changes serve as a body horror element. The film does not provide a nuanced depiction of lived disability, neurodivergence, or chronic illness.

Present on Screen

Focuses on a female protagonist through a unique physical and metaphysical transformation.
Employs effective psychological horror elements through a cult-like atmosphere and ritualistic themes.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse casting and fails to challenge Anglo-centric norms within the narrative.
Relies on traditional horror archetypes rather than subverting gender or social hierarchies.
Uses physical illness and transformation as a horror cliché rather than meaningful disability representation.

Official Synopsis

A young girl is abducted by a man, who claims that a cult is hunting her. His goal is to protect her until sunrise but while restrained, the young girl falls deathly ill. While her friends and family search for her, the source of her illness becomes more and more apparent. She’s not sick…she’s changing.

How are these scores produced? →