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King Cobra

Name: King Cobra
Director: Justin Kelly
Released: 2016
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2016

Not Rated

Director

Justin Kelly

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

King Cobra succeeds as a specialized drama that centers on queer professional dynamics and challenges straight-centered social structures. By focusing on a gay mogul and his influence, the film provides a deep look into identity-driven power dynamics. However, the film's impact is limited by its narrow focus. The heavy emphasis on male-dominated industry hierarchies results in a lack of gender-diverse perspectives and women's ability to drive the story. Ultimately, the work achieves a moderate score because its exploration of niche subcultures comes at the expense of broader racial and gender diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does King Cobra have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film centers its narrative on queer identity and the complexities of living in the closet. It explores the power structures and performative identities within a specialized subculture.

How does King Cobra portray gender?

Fair

Gender dynamics are heavily focused on male-driven hierarchies and masculine power struggles. The story lacks significant women's ability to drive the story or the subversion of traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is King Cobra?

Limited

The narrative focuses on specific individuals within a niche industry without prioritizing a diverse cast. It lacks evidence of intentional blending of different backgrounds or non-Anglo-Saxon character arcs.

How does King Cobra represent religion and culture?

Good

The film depicts a self-contained ecosystem that operates outside mainstream legal or religious frameworks. It prioritizes the situational ethics and rules of a specific subculture.

Does King Cobra include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on queer identity and the nuances of closeted existence.
Effective exploration of non-straight-centered professional hierarchies.
Critiques established institutional hierarchies through a unique subcultural lens.

Limited or Absent

Lack of significant women's ability to drive the story or gender-diverse perspectives.
Minimal representation of diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Narrow focus on male-driven power struggles and hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

It’s 2006, YouTube is in its infancy, and internet porn is still behind a paywall. Taking the stage name Brent Corrigan, a fresh-faced, wannabe adult video performer is molded into a star by Stephen, a closeted gay porn mogul who runs the skin flick empire Cobra Video from his seemingly ordinary suburban home.

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