You are here:

Antikalpa

Name: Antikalpa
Director: Wen-Han Shih
Released: 2023
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2023

Director

Wen-Han Shih

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Antikalpa operates as a traditional horror film that relies heavily on established genre clichés. The narrative structure follows a conventional hero's journey where a male protagonist must confront supernatural threats to save his community. While the film incorporates specific cultural and religious rituals, it does not appear to challenge these structures. Instead, it uses them to build a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual transgression and failed rituals. Ultimately, the film adheres to standard genre expectations rather than offering a progressive deconstruction of social or identity-based norms.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Antikalpa have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on a heterosexual relationship between Ah Dai and Yufan. There are no LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender narratives present.

How does Antikalpa portray gender?

Fair

Ah Dai leads the action as the main hero. Yufan initially serves as a catalyst but eventually transforms into a demonic antagonist, following typical gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Antikalpa?

Fair

The film incorporates culturally specific religious traditions and an orthodox temple setting. This shifts the horror away from Western-centric themes.

How does Antikalpa represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot explores the tension between orthodox institutions and evil forces. It functions as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual transgression.

Does Antikalpa include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions within the narrative.

Present on Screen

The film utilizes culturally specific religious and familial traditions, providing a setting rooted in unique ritualistic practices.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on conventional gender clichés, positioning the female lead as either a victim or a monstrous obstacle.
The romantic arc follows a strictly heterosexual pattern without exploring diverse identities.
The story lacks representation of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Ah Dai comes from a family that runs a prestigious orthodox temple. His childhood sweetheart, Yufan, is desperate to locate her missing aunt. In his attempt to help, Ah Dai agrees to participate in a special ritual that his schoolmates believe could help them seek assistance from the gods to grant their desires. However, they are lured into praying to evil forces instead. As his schoolmates die one after another, Ah Dai tries to use his gift to exorcise evil to save his friends. At the very end, he faces a completely demonized Yufan and must fight her to save the neighborhood.

How are these scores produced? →