New Showbiz

You are here:
Beta Test

Beta Test

2016

NR

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

While testing the latest first person shooter from global game developer, Sentinel, video game champion Max Troy discovers the events happening within the game are being reflected in the real world. He soon determines that the game's protagonist is real-life Orson Creed, an ex-Sentinel employee who is being remotely controlled by the corporation for reasons unknown. As virtual and real worlds collide, Max and Creed must join forces to unravel the conspiracy before the game's sinister events escalate and overwhelm the city.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

5.4/10

Fair


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Limited

The film follows traditional narrative structures without explicit engagement with queer identities. While an opening scene shows a man with a partner, there is no evidence of non-cisnormative representation.

Gender Representation

Fair

The story is driven by male-centric action tropes, centering on the agency of Max Troy and Orson Creed. It prioritizes masculine archetypes and lacks nuanced female agency within the thriller framework.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Good

Casting features a meaningful level of diversity with actors like Larenz Tate and Yuji Okumoto. The urban setting and multi-ethnic ensemble suggest a departure from homogeneous casting norms.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The narrative critiques unchecked capitalism and the opacity of global corporations. It explores themes of systemic corruption and the loss of individual autonomy to institutional power.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters are defined by their roles in a technological conspiracy rather than sensory experience.

Strengths

  • Features a diverse, multi-ethnic cast including Larenz Tate and Yuji Okumoto.
  • Provides a meaningful critique of unchecked capitalism and corporate systemic control.
  • Utilizes a diverse urban landscape to ground its high-stakes sci-fi conspiracy.

Areas for Improvement

  • Relies heavily on male-centric action tropes and masculine archetypes.
  • Lacks significant female agency or nuanced gender representation.
  • Provides no visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer-driven arcs.

AI Analysis

Beta Test functions as a high-concept sci-fi thriller that succeeds in casting a multi-ethnic ensemble, moving away from the homogeneous casts often found in the genre. The film uses its plot to critique corporate hegemony and the loss of autonomy. However, the film remains tethered to conventional action tropes. The narrative is heavily male-centric, focusing on masculine hero archetypes while offering little room for female agency or queer identity exploration. It prioritizes the central conflict between men and corporations over diverse social perspectives. Ultimately, while the film challenges institutional authority through its themes, it does not significantly subvert traditional gender or identity hierarchies.

How are these scores produced? →

Similar Movies

Movie poster for Apex

Apex

2021

No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 3.6 out of 10

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.