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Viy

Name: Viy
Director: Georgi Kropachyov, Konstantin Ershov
Released: 1967
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

1967

Not Rated

Director

Georgi Kropachyov, Konstantin Ershov

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Viy is a traditional folk-horror film that preserves Slavic heritage through mythological authenticity and religious tension. It focuses on historical and folkloric hierarchies, reinforcing traditional gender roles and religious morality. The film's emphasis on the sacred versus the profane limits its engagement with contemporary concepts of diversity and social restructuring.

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Category Breakdown

Does Viy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional gender and sexual norms, with no depictions of non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Viy portray gender?

Limited

Female characters are portrayed through the 'dark feminine' archetype, acting as supernatural or predatory figures. Their power is presented as a source of fear for the male protagonist.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Viy?

Fair

The film highlights Ukrainian and Slavic cultural identity with a homogeneous cast that aligns with the folkloric setting.

How does Viy represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative emphasizes Orthodox Christian themes and religious authority. The protagonist’s struggle revolves around maintaining monastic vows and spiritual integrity.

Does Viy include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities used as central plot devices.

Present on Screen

Provides a high degree of ethnic specificity through its deep roots in Ukrainian and Slavic folklore.
Offers a dedicated exploration of regional cultural identity and mythological traditions.

Limited or Absent

Relies on traditional gendered clichés that frame female power as a source of moral peril.
Lacks representation of non-traditional gender identities or diverse social perspectives.
Reinforces traditional religious and patriarchal hierarchies rather than challenging them.

Official Synopsis

A seminary student on monastery holiday kills an old witch in a remote village. The hag then transforms into a beautiful young woman whose dying wish is for him to watch over her wake for three nights. With terrors occurring and his faith waning, he reads prayers on the overnight watch and tries to survive the supernatural encounters.

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