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The Howling

Name: The Howling
Director: Steven M. Smith
Released: 2017
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2017

Director

Steven M. Smith

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Howling (2017) functions as a typical genre piece that prioritizes horror clichés over diverse representation. The narrative structure relies on localized myths and survival scenarios, which often default to homogeneous social structures and traditional archetypes. Since the film focuses on a group of teenagers in a remote setting, it lacks documented indicators of intentional diversity or progressive representation. The creative direction appears centered on genre-specific conventions rather than intentional narrative subversion. Ultimately, the film does not challenge established cultural hierarchies or provide diverse character arcs, resulting in a score that reflects a lack of intentionality toward diversifying the horror landscape.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Howling have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include characters with non-conforming gender identities or challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. It follows traditional genre structures that default to an orientation toward straight relationships.

How does The Howling portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a group of teenagers but does not challenge traditional gender hierarchies. It adheres to conventional horror archetypes where roles are dictated by survival clichés.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Howling?

Limited

Set in a remote farmland, the film focuses on a potentially homogeneous social structure. There is no indication of casting actors from diverse racial backgrounds or including non-white characters.

How does The Howling represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film uses a local myth framework rooted in traditional folklore. It does not offer critiques against capitalist or Western values, staying within standard thriller boundaries.

Does The Howling include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The survival scenario emphasizes physical strength over nuanced portrayals of neurodivergence or illness.

Present on Screen

The film uses established local myth and folklore frameworks to create its horror atmosphere.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-conforming gender narratives.
There is a notable absence of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
The narrative fails to include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
The story does not challenge traditional gender hierarchies or roles.

Official Synopsis

A local myth will be discovered to be true by a group of teenagers on a night out on remote farmland. Is there a bloodthirsty creature that has been wandering the land?

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