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The Puppetman

Name: The Puppetman
Director: Brandon Christensen
Released: 2023
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2023

Director

Brandon Christensen

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Puppetman operates as a typical horror film, relying heavily on established horror clichés such as inherited trauma and supernatural curses. While the film avoids the 'damsel in distress' cliché by centering its plot on a capable female lead, it does not delve into deeper social or multi-layered themes. The narrative remains focused on a traditional battle between good and evil, which prevents the film from engaging with broader cultural or systemic critiques. Ultimately, the film provides a functional horror experience but lacks the intentionality needed to challenge social hierarchies or offer meaningful representation for underrepresented groups.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Puppetman have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on family ties and supernatural threats. It does not include LGBTQ+ characters or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Puppetman portray gender?

Fair

Michal is a strong female protagonist who plays a significant role in driving the story. She investigates and protects against the curse.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Puppetman?

Fair

The cast includes a variety of actors, suggesting varied casting. However, it is unclear if characters of color play a key role in the central conflict.

How does The Puppetman represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows traditional horror frameworks focusing on guilt and retribution. It lacks complex critiques of Western institutions or subjective morality.

Does The Puppetman include disability representation?

Limited

The film does not explore neurodivergence or physical disabilities as central character traits. The father's limited control over his actions remains a vague supernatural theme.

Present on Screen

The film features a female protagonist who plays a significant role in driving the plot.
The cast includes a diverse array of actors, moving away from homogeneous casting.
The lead character avoids the 'damsel in distress' cliché by acting as the primary protector.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
There is no meaningful exploration of disability, neurodivergence, or mental health.
The story lacks complex cultural critiques or engagement with multi-layered themes.

Official Synopsis

The Puppetman, a convicted killer on death row, always maintained his innocence saying that it was an evil force controlling his body as he slaughtered his victims. Now Michal, the killer's daughter, begins to suspect that there may be some truth to her father's claim when those around her begin to die in brutal ways. She must try and break the curse of The Puppetman before all her loved ones are killed.

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