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Star Trek Beyond

Star Trek Beyond

Representation Score

7.7/10

Good

2016

PG-13

Director

Justin Lin

Runtime

122 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Star Trek Beyond presents a sophisticated, pluralistic vision of the future that successfully challenges Western homogeneity. The film's greatest strength lies in its multi-ethnic ensemble, where diverse identities are integrated into actively leading roles rather than treated as tokens. However, the film's impact is tempered by a lack of explicit queer narratives and a missed opportunity to explore disability through character's ability to drive the story. While the setting is progressive, the story remains largely focused on preserving existing institutional structures. Ultimately, the film provides a meaningful model of representation that balances technical expertise and racial diversity, even if it avoids more radical social critiques.

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Category Breakdown

Does Star Trek Beyond have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the core crew's interpersonal dynamics without centering queer identities. There are no prominent LGBTQ+ characters or storylines, reflecting mainstream inclusion rather than active subversion.

How does Star Trek Beyond portray gender?

Good

Women hold roles of high technical expertise and tactical ability to act. Uhura serves as an intellectual pillar, while Jaylah demonstrates significant autonomy and physical prowess, successfully passing the Bechdel test.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Star Trek Beyond?

Excellent

The film excels with a multi-ethnic, globalized ensemble. Central roles are filled by actors of various backgrounds, moving past including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to create a seamless, integrated model of representation.

How does Star Trek Beyond represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores a post-national, cooperative society through the Federation. While it leans toward a progressive worldview, it remains anchored in preserving established institutional ideals.

Does Star Trek Beyond include disability representation?

Fair

Alien physiologies serve as world-building elements rather than focused explorations of disability. The narrative does not center on the lived experiences or ability to act of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • The multi-ethnic ensemble features diverse actors in central, actively leading roles.
  • Female characters like Uhura and Jaylah possess significant technical expertise and autonomy.
  • The film presents a seamless, integrated model of racial representation within its setting.

Limited or Absent

  • The film lacks prominent LGBTQ+ characters or storylines centered on queer identity.
  • Disability is treated as a world-building element rather than a focused character exploration.
  • The narrative lacks deep systemic critiques of the established power structures.

Official Synopsis

The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.

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