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Rain

Name: Rain
Director: Lewis Milestone
Released: 1932
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

1932

Director

Lewis Milestone

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Rain is a film that excels in psychological depth while being limited by the demographic standards of 1932. It challenges patriarchal and religious authority through the friction between Sadie Thompson and Alfred Davidson, deconstructing Western moral hierarchies. However, the film's lack of racial and LGBTQ+ representation prevents a higher score. The Pacific Island setting is used through a colonial lens, focusing on Western internal struggles rather than the indigenous experience. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its intellectual subversion of systemic rigidity rather than its demographic breadth.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rain have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore queer themes. It operates within a framework that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Rain portray gender?

Good

Sadie Thompson is a strong female character who challenges male moral authority. The story centers her active role over submissive archetypes, subverting traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rain?

Limited

The Pacific Island setting mainly serves as a backdrop for white characters. Indigenous people have little control over their own lives and mostly serve as atmospheric elements.

How does Rain represent religion and culture?

Good

The film offers a sophisticated critique of religious absolutism and puritanical morality. It portrays Western religious institutions as tools for social control and psychological dominance.

Does Rain include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of visible or invisible disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by centering women's ability to drive the story and psychological resilience.
Provides a sophisticated critique of religious absolutism and hypocritical moral standards.
Explores power dynamics through a nuanced examination of patriarchal authority.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful roles or representation for non-white characters in the Pacific Island setting.
Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight-centered identities.
Prioritizes Western internal conflicts over indigenous experiences, reflecting colonial perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Due to a possible cholera epidemic onboard, passengers on a ship are forced to disembark at Pago Pago, a small village on a Pacific island where it incessantly rains. Among the stranded passengers are Sadie Thompson, a prostitute, and Alfred Davidson, a fanatic missionary who will try to redeem her.

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