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Less Than Human

Name: Less Than Human
Director: Steffen Bang Lindholm
Released: 2017
Duration: 6 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2017

TV-14

Director

Steffen Bang Lindholm

Runtime

6 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Less Than Human functions mainly as a genre-driven allegory. It employs the post-apocalyptic zombie framework to explore the tensions arising from attempts to reintegrate underrepresented identities into a dominant social order. The film's strength lies in its metaphorical exploration of 'otherness' and the systemic suspicion surrounding rehabilitation. It addresses complex themes of social reintegration and institutional legitimacy through its narrative structure. However, the work lacks dense characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The absence of explicit LGBTQ+ narratives and diverse gender roles prevents a higher score, as the diversity remains largely allegorical rather than character-driven.

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Category Breakdown

Does Less Than Human have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story focuses on the biological differences between humans and post-zombies, rather than exploring non-cisgender identities.

How does Less Than Human portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist, Steve, who drives the investigation. There is no clear evidence of challenging traditional gender roles or elevating female characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Less Than Human?

Fair

The zombie cliché serves as a metaphor for 'the other,' providing potential for allegorical diversity. However, the specific ethnic makeup of the human cast is not specified.

How does Less Than Human represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative delves into themes of social engineering and institutional skepticism. It examines the tension between systemic reform and the resistance to reintegrating underrepresented groups.

Does Less Than Human include disability representation?

Fair

The post-zombie condition acts as a metaphor for altered physical and cognitive states. It reflects the experiences of those dealing with societal stigma due to impairments.

Present on Screen

Uses the zombie cliché as a powerful metaphor for the lived experiences of underrepresented groups.
Explores complex themes of social reintegration and the legitimacy of systemic reform.
Challenges conventional notions of social belonging through its narrative structure.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.
The narrative structure relies heavily on a male protagonist, limiting gender subversion.
Relies on metaphor rather than integrating a diverse, multi-layered human cast.

Official Synopsis

In the aftermath of a zombie outbreak, zombies are cured and exiled to secluded camps. There has been talk about rehabilitating post-zombies back into society. Steve, the journalist reporting on the case, thinks the zombies still pose a threat to society. He ventures into one of these camps to prove to the world that rehabilitation is out the question.

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