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Something in the Dirt

Name: Something in the Dirt
Director: Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead
Released: 2022
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

2022

Director

Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Something in the Dirt is a work defined by formal experimentation and metaphysical inquiry rather than demographic breadth. The directors prioritize high-concept, non-linear storytelling that deconstructs traditional genre expectations through atmospheric cosmic horror. While the film achieves sophistication in its postmodern narrative structure, it remains within a traditional demographic framework. The focus stays on existential deconstruction rather than the active representation of diverse identities or the subversion of social hierarchies. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its intellectual depth regarding time and reality, though it lacks significant diversity in its cast and character perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something in the Dirt have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story primarily revolves around the relationship between two male protagonists, with no indication of LGBTQ themes or identities.

How does Something in the Dirt portray gender?

Limited

The film centers heavily on the male experience, focusing on the brothers' dynamics. With minimal female presence, there is limited exploration of gendered complexities.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something in the Dirt?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, using the American Southwest as a setting for cosmic horror. The narrative does not utilize diverse casts to challenge Anglo-centric genre clichés.

How does Something in the Dirt represent religion and culture?

Good

The film stands out by deconstructing objective reality through temporal anomalies. It shifts focus away from traditional Western institutions toward a secular, metaphysical inquiry into subjective truth.

Does Something in the Dirt include disability representation?

Fair

Themes of psychological distress and grief drive the cosmic horror elements. While these themes aren't mocked, they lack nuanced portrayals of neurodivergence or specific mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated postmodern narrative structure that challenges linear causality.
Effective use of temporal anomalies to explore existential and moral relativism.
High-concept storytelling that avoids traditional genre clichés in favor of metaphysical inquiry.

Limited or Absent

Lack of demographic breadth and diverse character ensembles.
Minimal female presence limits the complexity of gendered perspectives.
Predominantly white cast maintains a traditional Anglo-centric lens.

Official Synopsis

When neighbors John and Levi witness supernatural events in their LA apartment building, they realize documenting the paranormal could inject some fame and fortune into their wasted lives.

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