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Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes

Name: Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes
Director: DeShon Hardy
Released: 2020
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2020

Director

DeShon Hardy

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes shows a moderate level of inclusion primarily through its casting choices. The presence of diverse performers suggests an effort to move beyond traditional, homogeneous horror demographics. While the film avoids a completely white cast, it lacks specific representation categories such as LGBTQ+ characters or characters with disabilities. The narrative’s focus on a religious institution offers a potential avenue for exploring institutional corruption, but without more specific character arcs, it is difficult to determine if the film truly challenges traditional social or gender hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It does not explore or critique the idea that everyone is assumed to be straight or cisgender.

How does Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes portray gender?

Fair

The film features female leads such as Tina Krause and Stacey Giambastiani, suggesting a shift away from purely male-focused stories. However, the film’s stance on gender power dynamics remains unclear.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes?

Fair

The cast includes performers from various racial backgrounds, indicating a move away from the homogeneous casting often seen in studio horror films.

How does Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story revolves around a pastor taking over a church, which might challenge the authority of religious institutions through its curse premise. However, it does not clearly address broader systemic issues related to these institutions.

Does Dwellers: The Curse of Pastor Stokes include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, including neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

The cast includes diverse performers, moving away from homogeneous casting norms.
The presence of female leads suggests a narrative framework that isn’t strictly male-centric.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
There is no evidence of characters with physical or invisible disabilities.
The extent of the film's critique regarding religious or gender hierarchies is unproven.

Official Synopsis

A puzzle of dark secrets surfaces when a pastor inherits a church from his mentor.

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