You are here:

Dark

Name: Dark
Director: Alistair Quak
Released: 2023
Duration: 9 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

2023

Director

Alistair Quak

Runtime

9 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Dark is a minimalist psychological thriller that emphasizes atmospheric tension and individual resilience over social commentary. The narrative is centered on a single character's struggle to survive in a confined space, limiting opportunities for diverse character interactions. While the film features a woman demonstrating a significant role in driving the story despite physical impairments, its narrow scope prevents a broader exploration of identity-based themes. The setting and limited cast hinder a meaningful examination of racial, cultural, or LGBTQ+ representation. Ultimately, the film focuses on the mechanical and psychological aspects of the protagonist's predicament, rather than serving as a platform for multi-layered narratives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Dark have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a single protagonist's physical survival without showing any queer identities or non-traditional gender expressions.

How does Dark portray gender?

Fair

A female lead drives the story, facing extreme physical danger. However, the absence of other characters means there's no deeper exploration of gendered power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dark?

Minimal

The pitch-black setting obscures visual markers, making it impossible to verify the racial or ethnic identities of the cast. No information is available regarding diversity.

How does Dark represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The story focuses on individual survival and a dark secret. It doesn't address religious, political, or socio-economic institutions or cultural norms.

Does Dark include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's broken limbs drive the plot and explore the character's ability to act despite physical limitations. It’s unclear if this portrayal avoids clichés or uses disability purely for tension.

Present on Screen

Features a female protagonist demonstrating a significant role in driving the story under extreme physical duress.
Uses physical impairment as a central driver for character action and plot tension.

Limited or Absent

Lacks ensemble interaction, preventing exploration of diverse social or identity-based dynamics.
Provides no evidence of racial, cultural, or LGBTQ+ representation within the current narrative scope.

Official Synopsis

A woman wakes up in a pitch black room to find all, except one, of her limbs broken. Armed with only a torchlight, the clock is ticking as she attempts to escape, slowly unveiling a sinister truth.

How are these scores produced? →