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Playing God

Name: Playing God
Director: Lars Kraume
Released: 2020
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2020

Director

Lars Kraume

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Playing God is an intellectually engaging bioethical film that dismantles institutionalized morality. It offers a sophisticated examination of the intersection between scientific advancement and spiritual beliefs, especially through the lens of personal autonomy. However, the film remains confined to a specific Eurocentric and socioeconomic context. While it provides a deep exploration of ethics and aging, it falls short in representing diverse demographics. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its challenge to religious and gender hierarchies, while missing opportunities to include more diverse racial and LGBTQ+ perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Playing God have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not feature explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Instead, it focuses on the ethical conflict between a patient and a doctor, rather than exploring non-traditional gender identities.

How does Playing God portray gender?

Fair

Dr. Brandt is a central figure with significant professional authority. She challenges traditional expectations by refusing to comply with a patient's request, which subverts the usual submissive role of women in clinical settings.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Playing God?

Limited

The story centers on a predominantly white medical elite. There is no indication of multi-ethnic casting or efforts to include diverse backgrounds within the professional setting.

How does Playing God represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions traditional religious frameworks by emphasizing human ability to act over religious mandates. It explores the tension between medical ethics and religious authority through a secular perspective.

Does Playing God include disability representation?

Fair

The story highlights the reality of aging and mortality. Richard Gärtner is shown taking action and pursuing autonomy, avoiding the cliché of passive tragedy in his quest for independence.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by placing a female doctor as a central, authoritative moral leader.
Offers a nuanced look at aging and mortality through the lens of personal ability to act.
Questions singular religious morality by framing medical ethics as a site of secular skepticism.

Limited or Absent

Does not include significant LGBTQ+ characters or stories.
The professional environment appears homogeneous, lacking racial and ethnic diversity.
The narrative focus remains narrow, centered on a specific Eurocentric socioeconomic class.

Official Synopsis

The 78-year-old former architect Richard Gärtner (Matthias Habich) wants to put an end to his life. However, this should not be done abroad, but quite legally with the help of his family doctor. For Dr. Brandt (Anna Maria Mühe), out of personal conviction, it is out of the question to get her elderly but healthy patient a fatal preparation.

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