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Bethany

Name: Bethany
Director: James Cullen Bressack
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

1.6/10

Minimal

2017

Director

James Cullen Bressack

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bethany is a traditional psychological horror film that emphasizes individual suspense while lacking characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The narrative centers on a white female protagonist dealing with maternal trauma, keeping the focus narrow and domestic. While the film offers a central role for a resilient female character, it does not engage with broader social identities. The absence of diversity in race, LGBTQ+, and disability representation results in a low overall score. Ultimately, the film adheres to established genre conventions without attempting to challenge or expand diverse identity frameworks.

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Category Breakdown

Does Bethany have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or same-sex relationships, maintaining a focus on heterosexual relationships.

How does Bethany portray gender?

Fair

The story uses the 'final girl' cliché, emphasizing female resilience but relying on traditional victim roles instead of challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bethany?

Limited

The cast is primarily white, with a white female protagonist at the center. There is no evidence of diverse casting or actors from different backgrounds.

How does Bethany represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative focuses on personal family trauma within a typical Western context, without addressing broader systemic issues.

Does Bethany include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it integrate neurodivergence or chronic illness into the story.

Present on Screen

The film provides a central role for a female protagonist navigating survival and resilience.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, appearing predominantly white.
There is a complete absence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
The narrative fails to include characters with disabilities or neurodivergent traits.

Official Synopsis

Claire and her husband find themselves moving back into Claire's childhood home only to have the abusive and traumatic memories of her mother come back to haunt her. As her husband starts to get more work, Claire finds herself mixed up in a fog of past and present with a mysterious figure haunting her memories. What is this small figure that is trying to reach out to her, and what does it want?

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