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Kingdom of the Spiders

Name: Kingdom of the Spiders
Director: John "Bud" Cardos
Released: 1977
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

1.5/10

Minimal

1977

Director

John "Bud" Cardos

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kingdom of the Spiders is a typical 1970s creature feature that prioritizes genre clichés over social complexity. The film adheres strictly to the demographic and social norms of its era, focusing on a survivalist framework rather than any intentional subversion of identity or power dynamics. The narrative relies on traditional hierarchies, with men driving the plot and women serving as reactive figures. The lack of racial or LGBTQ+ representation makes the film a product of its time, offering a homogeneous view of a small-town crisis. Ultimately, the film lacks depth in representing multiple aspects of identity, functioning as a straightforward exploitation piece where the primary conflict is biological rather than social.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kingdom of the Spiders have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a conventional structure that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no representations of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Kingdom of the Spiders portray gender?

Limited

Male characters take the lead in investigating and defending against threats. Female characters mostly play supporting, reactive roles in the survival plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kingdom of the Spiders?

Limited

The cast is predominantly homogeneous, reflecting the demographic makeup typical of 1970s regional horror. It lacks a multicultural ensemble or actors from diverse backgrounds.

How does Kingdom of the Spiders represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story centers on a man-versus-nature survival narrative. It reinforces traditional Western community structures without engaging in secularist or anti-Western themes.

Does Kingdom of the Spiders include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities. No character arcs are driven by disability within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Adheres strictly to the established conventions of 1970s survival horror.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse representation across gender, race, and sexual orientation.
Female characters lack proactive roles in the central conflict.
The cast is demographically homogeneous, lacking multicultural depth.

Official Synopsis

Investigating the mysterious deaths of a number of farm animals, vet Rack Hansen discovers that his town lies in the path of hordes of migrating tarantulas. Before he can take action, the streets are overrun by killer spiders, trapping a small group of townsfolk in a remote hotel.

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