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A Closer Walk with Thee

Name: A Closer Walk with Thee
Director: John C. Clark, Brie Williams
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

2017

Unrated

Director

John C. Clark, Brie Williams

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Closer Walk with Thee explores the friction between individual identity and religious dogma. While it introduces LGBTQ+ themes, it uses them primarily as a disruptive plot device within a traditionalist framework. This approach risks reinforcing cautionary clichés rather than offering nuanced representation. The film's structure remains tethered to conventional social hierarchies. The focus on a male-dominated missionary hierarchy limits the scope of gender and cultural subversion, keeping the narrative within a strictly patriarchal context. Ultimately, the work functions more as a study of institutional tension than a progressive deconstruction of social norms. The setting offers potential for diversity, but the thematic execution remains conservative.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Closer Walk with Thee have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on a conflict involving homosexual urges within a missionary setting. These themes appear to function as a source of tension rather than a platform for identity-driven roles.

How does A Closer Walk with Thee portray gender?

Limited

The narrative focuses on a male-dominated hierarchy involving missionaries and a leader. There is no evidence of female characters driving the story or challenging traditional patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Closer Walk with Thee?

Fair

Set in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood, the environment implies a diverse urban backdrop. However, the film lacks explicit details regarding character depth or specific racial engagement.

How does A Closer Walk with Thee represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story is rooted in religious institutionality and missionary work. It prioritizes traditional religious morality as the framework for character conflict rather than promoting pluralistic values.

Does A Closer Walk with Thee include disability representation?

Minimal

The film contains no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The urban Los Angeles setting provides a backdrop that suggests a high potential for racial and ethnic diversity.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on LGBTQ+ themes as a source of conflict rather than providing characters with meaningful roles.
The story lacks female characters to balance the male-dominated missionary hierarchy.
The film prioritizes traditional religious morality over more inclusive or secular perspectives.

Official Synopsis

A quartet of young missionaries establish a small congregation in a rough LA neighborhood, but problems arise when one of the missionaries can’t control his homosexual urges towards their handsome leader.

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