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The Vast of Night

Name: The Vast of Night
Director: Andrew Patterson
Released: 2019
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

2019

PG-13

Director

Andrew Patterson

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels in creating an immersive atmosphere and maintaining historical accuracy, focusing more on style than broad demographic representation. Its most progressive aspect is the portrayal of gender roles, where the female lead is given significant technical skills and ability to act. However, the film remains demographically uniform, lacking diverse racial and LGBTQ+ representation. It prioritizes historical authenticity over contemporary inclusivity, resulting in a focused but limited character study.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Vast of Night have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight identities. The story focuses solely on the friendship between the two main characters.

How does The Vast of Night portray gender?

Good

Fay challenges 1950s stereotypes by being an intellectual equal to Jesse. Her technical skills and active role in the investigation are crucial to the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Vast of Night?

Limited

The cast is primarily white, reflecting the demographics of a small 1955 California town. This historical accuracy limits modern diversity.

How does The Vast of Night represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story emphasizes scientific curiosity and a sense of wonder, avoiding discussions of religion or traditional moralities. It does not critique Western institutions or societal structures.

Does The Vast of Night include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, neurodivergence, or chronic illnesses.

Present on Screen

Challenges 1950s gender roles by presenting a partnership of intellectual equals.
Gives the female lead significant technical skills and ability to act.
Emphasizes secular scientific inquiry over traditional moralities.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ representation or exploration of non-straight identities.
Features a predominantly white cast, limiting racial and ethnic diversity.
Does not depict disabilities or neurodivergence in the main storylines.

Official Synopsis

At the dawn of the space-race, two radio-obsessed teens discover a strange frequency over the airwaves in what becomes the most important night of their lives and in the history of their small town.

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