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The Lazarus Project

Name: The Lazarus Project
Director: John Glenn
Released: 2008
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2008

PG-13

Director

John Glenn

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film follows traditional psychological thriller and crime drama frameworks. It emphasizes a character-driven arc of redemption and family connection over complex representations of diverse identities or social subversion. Narrative ability to act is centered on the male protagonist, while female characters are primarily defined by their relationships to him. The themes of the soul and afterlife align with well-established moral clichés rather than subversive cultural critiques. The narrative relies on conventional domestic structures and genre clichés, lacking significant representation of diverse identities or systemic challenges.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Lazarus Project have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on the protagonist's relationship with his wife and daughter. There are no non-binary or transgender characters, and the plot does not challenge the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Lazarus Project portray gender?

Fair

Ben Garvey is the main driver of the story. His family members provide emotional support, but the female characters are defined by their relationships to him rather than as independent figures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Lazarus Project?

Minimal

There is no information about the racial makeup of the cast. The film does not mention any racial dynamics or ethnic diversity within the setting.

How does The Lazarus Project represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film explores themes of mortality and the soul through traditional moral frameworks. The conflict revolves around redemption and state-mandated processes, without challenging established spiritual beliefs.

Does The Lazarus Project include disability representation?

Fair

The setting includes a psychiatric ward, suggesting a focus on mental health issues. However, it is unclear whether neurodivergence is shown with real ability to act or simply used for creating tension.

Present on Screen

Explores profound existential themes about mortality and the human soul.
Uses a psychological thriller setting to delve into deep emotional connections to family.

Limited or Absent

Female characters lack a significant role in driving the story and are primarily defined by their relationships to the male lead.
Relies on conventional domestic and moral structures without exploring diverse identities or perspectives.
Does not provide information about racial or ethnic diversity within the cast or setting.

Official Synopsis

After Ben Garvey foolishly turned back to crime, he thought his life was over when he was sentenced to death by lethal injection. But his death sentence isn't quite what it seems, as Ben regains consciousness near an eerie psychiatric ward, where he's told he's been hired as the groundskeeper. With the state of his soul in question, and the love for his wife and daughter all the more real and powerful, Ben must figure out if he's truly cheated death, or if he's become part of something far more sinister.

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