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The Night Clerk

Name: The Night Clerk
Director: Michael Cristofer
Released: 2020
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2020

Director

Michael Cristofer

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by centering a Black, neurodivergent protagonist, providing a sophisticated layer of complexity. Bart Bromley is given a significant role in driving the story and intellectual depth, navigating a high-stakes thriller plot. However, the film adheres to traditional genre conventions, with gender and LGBTQ+ representations that are functional and straight-centered. Ultimately, the work is elevated by its respectful treatment of disability, which compensates for its more conventional approach to cultural and gendered dynamics.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Night Clerk have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship and does not explore queer identities or subtext.

How does The Night Clerk portray gender?

Fair

The film emphasizes male psychological interactions and female characters primarily serve as plot catalysts.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Night Clerk?

Good

The film features a Black protagonist, Bart Bromley, who drives the plot through his intellect, disrupting common clichés by centering a non-white perspective.

How does The Night Clerk represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film uses a standard commercial hotel setting without critiquing specific social or religious institutions, focusing on localized moral ambiguity.

Does The Night Clerk include disability representation?

Excellent

The film portrays neurodivergence positively, treating the protagonist's autism as a core component of his character and investigative abilities.

Present on Screen

The film centers a Black, neurodivergent lead, breaking common cinematic clichés.
The protagonist plays a significant role in driving the story and intellectual depth.
Neurodivergence is treated as a core character trait rather than inspiration porn.

Limited or Absent

The film relies on traditional genre clichés and a straight-centered framework.
Gender roles are functional to the suspense plot.
The narrative lacks a critique of broader cultural or systemic structures.

Official Synopsis

Hotel night clerk Bart Bromley is a highly intelligent young man on the Autism spectrum. When a woman is murdered during his shift, Bart becomes the prime suspect. As the police investigation closes in, Bart makes a personal connection with a beautiful guest named Andrea, but soon realises he must stop the real murderer before she becomes the next victim.

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