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Ares

Name: Ares
Director: Jean-Patrick Benes
Released: 2016
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

7.2/10

Good

2016

Director

Jean-Patrick Benes

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ares functions primarily as a critique of systemic socio-economic failure rather than a study of identity. The film uses a dystopian framework to explore societal decay and the collapse of the French state. While the setting provides a foundation for diverse casting within a underrepresented population, the narrative lacks specific, verifiable evidence of storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity. The focus remains on class struggle and physical survival. The film's strength lies in its deconstruction of national stability and its cynical view of media consumerism, though it misses opportunities for deeper representation of specific identity groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ares have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story focuses on socio-economic collapse and televised combat. There are no explicit queer narratives or non-cisgender identities mentioned.

How does Ares portray gender?

Fair

The dystopian setting suggests a disruption of traditional social stability. The meritocracy of violence among fighters may challenge conventional portrayals of masculinity and femininity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ares?

Fair

A changing world order and a struggling, poor France allow for a multi-ethnic cast. However, there is no confirmed evidence of intentional multi-layered casting.

How does Ares represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the effectiveness of the state and capitalism. It depicts a fractured France, using brutal televised fights to challenge traditional Western institutions.

Does Ares include disability representation?

Fair

The use of legal doping suggests a preoccupation with body modification. It remains unclear if these elements provide character's ability to drive the story or serve as mere spectacle.

Present on Screen

The narrative provides a strong systemic critique of capitalism and failing state institutions.
The dystopian setting offers a framework to challenge traditional social hierarchies and stability.
The focus on a fractured, poor society allows for a potentially diverse, multi-ethnic urban landscape.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit engagement with LGBTQ+ themes or queer narratives.
There is no confirmed evidence of intentional multi-layered casting or diverse character descriptions.
The portrayal of body modification through doping lacks clear connection to disability representation or ability to act.

Official Synopsis

In a near future, the world order has changed. With its 10 millions of unemployed citizens, France has now become a poor country. Its people wavers between rebellion and resignation and find an outlet in the shape of TV broadcast ultra brutal fights in which the players are legally doped and unscrupulous.

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