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In the Tall Grass

Name: In the Tall Grass
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Released: 2019
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2019

TV-MA

Director

Vincenzo Natali

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

In the Tall Grass is a traditional folk-horror film that emphasizes disorientation over diverse representation. The story revolves around biological kinship and survival instincts, which limits opportunities for varied social perspectives. Merricat's intuitive leadership offers a subtle challenge to traditional gender roles, but the overall narrative remains conventional. The film lacks racial, LGBTQ+, and disability-focused storytelling, resulting in a narrow demographic focus that adheres to established genre formulas. Ultimately, the film presents a localized, psychological battle. It steers clear of broader social critiques, focusing instead on the collapse of linear reality and subjective morality within a homogeneous cast.

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Category Breakdown

Does In the Tall Grass have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on typical straight family relationships and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories.

How does In the Tall Grass portray gender?

Fair

Merricat challenges traditional gender roles by actively driving the investigation. Cal, on the other hand, takes a more passive role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is In the Tall Grass?

Limited

The cast is mainly composed of white actors set in a rural area, with no diverse ethnic representation or casting choices.

How does In the Tall Grass represent religion and culture?

Fair

An old church serves as a key location in a story focused on survival in a decaying religious landscape. The narrative avoids broader social or political issues.

Does In the Tall Grass include disability representation?

Limited

Psychological distress and sensory confusion are used as plot devices in the horror storyline. These elements do not explore the lived experiences of people with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Merricat challenges traditional gender roles through her active involvement in the investigation.
The female lead plays a central role in navigating the supernatural environment.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing almost exclusively on white actors.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.
Disability and neurodivergence are used as horror clichés rather than meaningful character explorations.

Official Synopsis

After hearing a child screaming for help from the green depths of a vast field of tall grass, Becky, a pregnant woman, and Cal, her brother, park their car near a mysterious abandoned church and enter the field, discovering that they are not alone and, for some reason, they are unable to escape a completely inextricable vegetable labyrinth.

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