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What Lies Ahead

What Lies Ahead

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2019

R

Director

Rob Gardner

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

What Lies Ahead operates as a conventional independent thriller that prioritizes suspense over sociopolitical commentary. While the film centers on female protagonists, it adheres to standard genre clichés rather than seeking to disrupt social hierarchies. The narrative focuses on a journey between two women, providing them with significant control over the plot. However, the production lacks intentionality regarding themes of racial diversity or LGBTQ+ representation. Ultimately, the film functions as a standard genre piece. It provides a platform for its female leads but fails to engage with broader cultural or systemic critiques.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Lies Ahead have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. There are no visible engagements with non-straight relationships or identities.

How does What Lies Ahead portray gender?

Fair

Two young women serve as the main drivers of the plot, giving them significant control over the story. However, the roles of male cast members are not explored further, which limits the challenge to traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Lies Ahead?

Limited

The cast does not appear to be diverse or predominantly non-Anglo-Saxon. There is no evidence of casting actors from different racial backgrounds or featuring non-white protagonists.

How does What Lies Ahead represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows a traditional Western road-trip format commonly found in American cinema. It does not provide a critique of Western institutions, capitalism, or organized religion.

Does What Lies Ahead include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities. No representation in this category is present.

Present on Screen

  • The film centers its narrative on two female protagonists, giving them significant control over the plot.

Limited or Absent

  • The film lacks visible engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
  • There is a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
  • The story does not challenge or deconstruct systemic power dynamics or cultural institutions.

Official Synopsis

When two young women embark on a road trip from Georgia to New York, an unseen peril emerges that grows stronger with each passing mile.

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