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Deathgasm

Name: Deathgasm
Director: Jason Lei Howden
Released: 2015
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

7.4/10

Good

2015

Director

Jason Lei Howden

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Deathgasm successfully subverts traditional horror clichés by empowering female characters and using a multicultural cast. By avoiding the 'final girl' cliché, the film creates a more balanced power dynamic among its protagonists. However, the film lacks depth in specific identity narratives. It misses opportunities to explore LGBTQ+ identities or disability-related issues, focusing instead on general social non-conformity. Ultimately, the film offers a progressive departure from genre conventions through its casting and character roles, even if it avoids explicit identity politics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Deathgasm have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't focus on LGBTQ identities or non-straight relationships. It portrays social outcasts within typical teenage dynamics.

How does Deathgasm portray gender?

Good

Female characters play significant roles in the film’s survival and combat sequences, avoiding the passive 'damsel in distress' stereotype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Deathgasm?

Good

The cast includes a variety of ethnic backgrounds, reflecting modern New Zealand demographics. This approach avoids a homogeneous cast.

How does Deathgasm represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores teenage rebellion and the rejection of ordinary societal expectations. It centers on heavy metal culture and characters on the fringes of mainstream society.

Does Deathgasm include disability representation?

Fair

There is no prominent depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The protagonists' status as outcasts is framed through subculture rather than disability.

Present on Screen

Female characters are shown as active, competent participants in combat rather than passive victims.
The cast reflects a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds, representing modern New Zealand demographics.
The film challenges traditional gender stereotypes and the 'damsel in distress' archetype.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationships.
There is no central depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities driving the plot.
The film lacks deeper exploration of specific identity politics.

Official Synopsis

Two teenage boys unwittingly summon an ancient evil entity known as The Blind One by delving into black magic while trying to escape their mundane lives.

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