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The Special

Name: The Special
Director: B. Harrison Smith
Released: 2020
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

2020

Director

B. Harrison Smith

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Special blends genres as a horror-comedy focusing on themes of infidelity and temptation. The story revolves around a traditional interpersonal conflict involving a husband's suspicion and a transactional encounter in a brothel. Because it relies on standard genre clichés, the film lacks the hallmarks of intentional characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The focus remains on personal morality and the consequences of desire rather than disrupting social hierarchies. Ultimately, the film aligns with conventional storytelling patterns and does not offer a progressive deconstruction of cultural or social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Special have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a heterosexual marriage conflict and a male-focused journey. It does not include any non-cisgender identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does The Special portray gender?

Limited

The story relies on traditional gender stereotypes such as the suspicious husband and unfaithful wife. It seems rooted in conventional marital tension rather than challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Special?

Minimal

Specific casting details and the racial composition of the ensemble are not provided. No score can be assigned without risking fabrication.

How does The Special represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores themes of individual morality and consequence. However, it does not clearly challenge established institutions or systemic structures.

Does The Special include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical or neurodivergent conditions in the available narrative description.

Present on Screen

The film effectively uses clear, character-driven narrative drivers like infidelity and psychological consequence.

Limited or Absent

The story heavily relies on traditional gender stereotypes and conventional marital tensions.
There is a lack of diverse identity representation or subversion of social hierarchies.
The narrative lacks evidence of systemic or institutional critique.

Official Synopsis

Suspecting his wife of infidelity, Jerry is persuaded by his best friend to accompany him to a brothel to sample ‘The Special’, which proves to be a lifechanging experience in more ways than one. Because every pleasure has its price...

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