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Tarnation

Name: Tarnation
Director: Daniel Armstrong
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

2017

Director

Daniel Armstrong

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tarnation follows established horror-comedy conventions, focusing on a central conflict between a protagonist and supernatural evil. While the film provides a female lead with ability to act, it lacks depth in representing multiple aspects of diversity. The narrative leans heavily on traditional archetypes of cosmic and religious evil, emphasizing individual survival and externalized threats. This focus on supernatural action over cultural or demographic diversity limits the exploration of diverse identities. Ultimately, the film's reliance on genre clichés results in a narrow thematic scope that prioritizes supernatural action over cultural or demographic diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tarnation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story centers on Oscar's personal upheaval and romantic instability. However, there is no explicit mention of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or themes related to queerness.

How does Tarnation portray gender?

Fair

Oscar serves as a strong female protagonist who play a significant role in driving the story. She actively defends herself against supernatural threats rather than playing a passive role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tarnation?

Minimal

The narrative focuses on a remote cabin and a ghost town. No specific information is provided regarding the racial or ethnic makeup of the cast.

How does Tarnation represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot relies on traditional moral dualism and religious horror archetypes. It depicts a classic struggle against satanic forces rather than challenging systemic structures.

Does Tarnation include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding characters with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

The female lead, Oscar, demonstrates a significant role in driving the story and drives the plot's resolution.
The protagonist subverts the 'damsel in distress' cliché by actively battling supernatural forces.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight and non-cisgender characters.
There is no evidence of racial, ethnic, or disability-related diversity within the narrative.
The reliance on traditional religious archetypes misses opportunities for deeper cultural critique.

Official Synopsis

When wannabe-singer Oscar is fired from her band and her boyfriend walks out, she heads to a remote cabin in the woods outside a ghost town called Tarnation to reflect on her life choices. But the woods are home to a demon unicorn, whose satanic master seeks Oscar's blood to complete a ritual that will raise Satan himself from Hell. Oscar must battle with a ungodly force of evil, capable of possessing any soul, to not only save her own life but to stop TARNATION descending upon the world.

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