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Excision

Name: Excision
Director: Richard Bates Jr.
Released: 2012
Duration: 81 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2012

Director

Richard Bates Jr.

Runtime

81 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Excision is a stylized exploration of teenage alienation that challenges conventional horror-comedy expectations. It stands out in its subversion of traditional gender roles, presenting a powerful, active female protagonist. However, the film's scope is narrow, focusing on a predominantly white suburban environment with limited LGBTQ+ or racial diversity. The narrative's strength lies in its postmodern approach to morality and mental instability, using the protagonist's fractured reality to challenge traditional social and legal authority structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Excision have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include significant LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story focuses mainly on the protagonist's internal thoughts and her specific interpersonal relationships.

How does Excision portray gender?

Excellent

The narrative challenges traditional gender roles by centering on Pauline, a female protagonist who actively drives the violence. She breaks away from the passive 'final girl' cliché.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Excision?

Limited

The story is primarily focused on a white suburban setting and lacks intentional racial or ethnic diversity. This creates a singular demographic experience.

How does Excision represent religion and culture?

Good

The film uses moral relativism to depict the protagonist's descent into violence. It avoids traditional moralistic condemnation, emphasizing the protagonist's subjective reality.

Does Excision include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores neurodivergence through Pauline's delusional psychological state. Her mental instability propels the plot rather than serving as a subject for ridicule.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by centering a female protagonist with significant influence.
Breaks the 'final girl' cliché through Pauline's decisive and violent actions.
Provides a nuanced critique of social and institutional structures through moral relativism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant LGBTQ+ representation or narratives that question straight relationships.
The narrative is largely homogeneous, lacking intentional racial or ethnic diversity.
Focuses heavily on a singular, predominantly white demographic experience.

Official Synopsis

Pauline, a disturbed, outcast teenager, has a fascination with surgery and experiences violent, psychosexual fantasies, all while aspiring to a career in medicine.

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