You are here:

Icarus

Name: Icarus
Director: Bryan Fogel
Released: 2017
Duration: 121 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

2017

TV-MA

Director

Bryan Fogel

Runtime

121 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Icarus is a focused investigative documentary that emphasizes geopolitical truth over demographic representation. Its impact comes from exposing systemic corruption rather than intentionally including underrepresented identities. The film effectively dismantles institutional authority, presenting a skeptical view of established power structures. This provides a cultural critique that enhances its score in that specific area. However, the film lacks multi-layered breadth. The narrative is driven by nationalistic and institutional conflict, leaving most social identity categories unaddressed.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Icarus have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story focuses solely on the geopolitical and athletic aspects of the doping scandal.

How does Icarus portray gender?

Fair

Dr. Stacy Verrico is portrayed as a high-level scientific expert and key partner. However, the narrative remains centered on male-dominated athletic and political spheres.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Icarus?

Limited

The documentary mainly features white male athletes and officials. It does not highlight multi-layered identities or use race-bent casting.

How does Icarus represent religion and culture?

Good

The film questions the infallibility of international institutions like WADA and the IOC. It portrays systemic corruption as a critique of centralized authority and state-sponsored deception.

Does Icarus include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant focus on visible or invisible disabilities within the main storyline.

Present on Screen

Questions the perceived infallibility of international institutions and state-controlled systems.
Highlights female experts like Dr. Stacy Verrico as essential, high-level investigative partners.
Offers a critical deconstruction of established power structures and institutional integrity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Focuses heavily on a demographic of white male athletes and officials.
Does not address disability or multi-layered identities within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, director Bryan Fogel connects with renegade Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov—a pillar of his country’s “anti-doping” program. Over dozens of Skype calls, urine samples, and badly administered hormone injections, Fogel and Rodchenkov grow closer despite shocking allegations that place Rodchenkov at the center of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program.

How are these scores produced? →