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Poltergeist II: The Other Side

Name: Poltergeist II: The Other Side
Director: Brian Gibson
Released: 1986
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

1986

PG-13

Director

Brian Gibson

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Poltergeist II: The Other Side is a conventional horror film that emphasizes supernatural tension over social complexity. The narrative revolves around a homogeneous, middle-class suburban family, limiting its representation of diverse demographics. The film heavily relies on established 1980s clichés, reinforcing traditional gender roles and a lack of ethnic diversity. While it incorporates spiritual elements, it does not use them to challenge broader societal issues or norms. Overall, the film caters to a narrow audience, providing a classic horror experience without addressing multi-layered identities or social disruptions.

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Category Breakdown

Does Poltergeist II: The Other Side have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on a straight and cisgender nuclear family. There are no representations of LGBTQ+ individuals or same-sex relationships.

How does Poltergeist II: The Other Side portray gender?

Fair

Characters follow traditional 1980s gender roles. Women play nurturing roles while men act as protectors.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Poltergeist II: The Other Side?

Minimal

The cast is primarily white and middle-class, adhering to typical suburban horror themes. There is no representation of characters from diverse racial backgrounds or cultures.

How does Poltergeist II: The Other Side represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story explores spirituality through Tangina Barrons but avoids criticizing organized religion. It uses a traditional moral framework to drive the supernatural conflict.

Does Poltergeist II: The Other Side include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The plot focuses on psychological trauma rather than the lived experiences of those with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Diane plays a significant role in protecting her child spiritually.
Tangina Barrons offers a unique supernatural perspective.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining predominantly white.
Gender roles adhere to traditional 1980s stereotypes without challenging them.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ individuals or non-cisgender identities.
The film does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The Freeling family move in with Diane's mother in an effort to escape the trauma and aftermath of Carol Anne's abduction by the Beast. But the Beast is not to be put off so easily and appears in a ghostly apparition as the Reverend Kane, a religious zealot responsible for the deaths of his many followers. His goal is simple - he wants the angelic Carol Anne.

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