You are here:

The Anomaly

Name: The Anomaly
Director: Noel Clarke
Released: 2014
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

6.8/10

Good

2014

PG-13

Director

Noel Clarke

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Anomaly stands out in the science fiction genre for its commitment to a diverse cast. By featuring Noel Clarke's history of elevating Black British narratives, the film challenges the predominantly white casts often seen in high-concept thrillers. While the film excels in racial diversity and the portrayal of mental health issues, it remains limited in other areas. The narrative focus is primarily on the male experience, and there is a noticeable absence of LGBTQ+ representation or radical anti-institutional themes. Overall, the film succeeds as a genre piece that integrates psychological trauma into its core tension. It offers a more inclusive landscape for British sci-fi through its diverse ensemble and its exploration of mental health.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Anomaly have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary gender expressions. It also lacks queer-coded subtext or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Anomaly portray gender?

Fair

The film features a mix of genders, but the main character is a male who drives the story forward. The narrative does not significantly disrupt traditional gender roles or challenge male leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Anomaly?

Good

The cast includes a significant number of Black actors, which breaks the typical homogeneous casting seen in high-concept sci-fi. This centers a diverse group of characters in a near-future London setting.

How does The Anomaly represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story uses a time-loop structure to explore shifting identities and fragmented memories. It questions the reliability of institutional memory and established structures.

Does The Anomaly include disability representation?

Good

The film presents a detailed look at mental health through the protagonist's severe PTSD. It portrays psychological trauma as a complex, lived reality rather than just a plot device.

Present on Screen

Features a high level of racial diversity with a significant presence of Black talent.
Provides a nuanced exploration of mental health and the lived reality of PTSD.
Breaks traditional sci-fi casting norms by centering a diverse ensemble.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation or queer-coded narratives.
Narrative ability to act is heavily centered around the male protagonist.
Does not actively challenge traditional gender hierarchies or leadership clichés.

Official Synopsis

A former soldier is taken captive and awakens in the back of a van where he learns that he only has less than 10 minutes to figure out how he got there.

How are these scores produced? →