You are here:

Tales from the Occult

Tales from the Occult

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2022

Director

Wesley Hoi Ip Sang, Fruit Chan, Andrew Fung Chih-Chiang

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Tales from the Occult successfully centers its horror within the specific urban landscape of Hong Kong. By using regional folklore and local occult practices, the film avoids Western-centric clichés and offers a diverse view of spirituality. However, the film's diversity is limited by a lack of representation for multi-layered identities. While the director's background suggests deep socio-political themes, the film remains silent on LGBTQ+ identities and disability representation. Ultimately, the film is a strong example of regional cultural expression but lacks the broad social representation found in more inclusive modern cinema.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Tales from the Occult have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not show any explicit depictions of queer identity or same-sex relationships. It also does not include narratives that challenge the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Tales from the Occult portray gender?

Fair

The film explores supernatural disruptions that might cause anxiety around traditional gender roles. However, it does not clearly show women driving the plot through intelligence or challenging traditional male leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tales from the Occult?

Good

The anthology focuses on a non-Western, East Asian perspective centered in Hong Kong. It challenges Western horror conventions by highlighting local landscapes and urban fears.

How does Tales from the Occult represent religion and culture?

Good

The film emphasizes regional folklore and local occult practices rather than Western religious traditions. It examines the psychological impact of hyper-capitalist urban environments and systemic issues.

Does Tales from the Occult include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the film. The narrative does not include roles for individuals with disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Uses Hong Kong's unique urban landscapes to provide cultural context.
  • Avoids Western horror clichés by focusing on regional folklore.
  • Explores the psychological pressures of hyper-capitalist urban environments.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not include explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
  • Does not challenge traditional masculine leadership.

Official Synopsis

Three short films about the hidden horrors that lurk behind the urban landscape of Hong Kong.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

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.