You are here:

Bilocation

Name: Bilocation
Director: Mari Asato
Released: 2013
Duration: 119 min

Representation Score

8.2/10

Excellent

2013

Director

Mari Asato

Runtime

119 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Mari Asato’s *Bilocation* is a character-driven exploration of identity that prioritizes psychological depth over typical horror elements. The film challenges traditional gender hierarchies by focusing on female consciousness and maternal bonds. While the film is intellectually sophisticated in its treatment of postmodernism and the instability of identity, it remains culturally homogeneous. The lack of diverse ethnic representation and explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs limits its broader social inclusivity. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its refusal to use psychological fragmentation as a cheap plot device, instead using it to question the nature of human existence.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Bilocation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't show explicit same-sex relationships or non-binary gender identities. However, it focuses on identity fluidity, which aligns with queer theory concepts.

How does Bilocation portray gender?

Good

The story centers on the inner lives of women, disrupting traditional patriarchal storytelling by highlighting their psychological struggles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bilocation?

Fair

Set in modern Japan, the film maintains a culturally uniform environment. It avoids whitewashing but doesn't actively include diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Bilocation represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores postmodern themes by deconstructing a unified reality. It emphasizes the subjective nature of existence and the self.

Does Bilocation include disability representation?

Fair

The film depicts complex psychological states and unusual cognitive experiences. It avoids using mental instability as mere horror clichés.

Present on Screen

Centers female interiority and maternal bonds to challenge traditional patriarchal structures.
Engages deeply with postmodern themes about the instability of identity and reality.
Avoids exploiting psychological fragmentation as a simple plot device.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary gender characters.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity within its contemporary Japanese setting.
Minimal engagement with diverse cultural perspectives outside its specific Japanese context.

Official Synopsis

Shinobu Takamura is an aspiring painter. One day, she is accused of using counterfeit money. Shinobu is confused by the allegation, because she never did such a thing and was at home when the crime occurred. Police Officer Kanou then appears and takes her to a place. When they get there, a group of people are already gathered. All of the people there are concerned over a doppelganger like existence that looks just like them and acts like them. They call that existence "bilocation".

How are these scores produced? →