You are here:

Needlestick

Name: Needlestick
Director: Steven Karageanes
Released: 2017
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

0.9/10

Minimal

2017

TV-MA

Director

Steven Karageanes

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Needlestick is a character-driven thriller that prioritizes high-stakes professional conflict over storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity. The plot centers on a mentor-protégé dynamic and the ethical transgressions of a desperate doctor. The film relies heavily on traditional genre clichés. While it explores themes of greed and institutional corruption, it does not engage with systemic social hierarchies or diverse demographic identities. Ultimately, the narrative focuses on individualistic pursuits of power rather than providing a platform for underrepresented voices or challenging established social norms.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Needlestick have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The romantic connections described suggest a traditional focus on straight relationships.

How does Needlestick portray gender?

Fair

Female characters, such as the dancer, play important roles in catalyzing the plot but often find themselves in vulnerable positions. The central conflict is primarily driven by a male mentor's pursuit of power.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Needlestick?

Minimal

The narrative provides no specific details regarding the racial or ethnic identities of the cast. There is no verifiable information on the demographic makeup of the hospital staff.

How does Needlestick represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story critiques individualistic greed and the corruption of professional institutions. However, it lacks engagement with broader socio-political or secular themes.

Does Needlestick include disability representation?

Minimal

A dying dancer is used as a narrative device to create urgency. There is no evidence of characters with disabilities having meaningful control over their situations.

Present on Screen

Explores themes of professional ethics and the corruption of medical institutions.
Uses high-stakes personal conflict to drive narrative urgency.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible demographic diversity or representation of underrepresented identities.
Female characters function primarily as plot catalysts rather than agents of change.
Fails to explore disability or neurodivergence beyond basic narrative devices.

Official Synopsis

A desperate doctor locks down South Union Cardiac Hospital to keep the greatest discovery in human history to himself, while a young intern races to save a dying young dancer, his ex-girlfriend, and his best friend, and stop his mentor.

How are these scores produced? →