You are here:

Hellboy

Name: Hellboy
Director: Neil Marshall
Released: 2019
Duration: 121 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2019

Director

Neil Marshall

Runtime

121 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Hellboy (2019) employs fantasy elements to explore themes of alienation and identity through its non-human characters. The film successfully gives significant roles to characters who are biologically distinct from the human norm. However, the narrative remains anchored in conventional storytelling, prioritizing traditional romantic dynamics and institutional stability over a deeper critique of social or political structures. Ultimately, the film uses the 'monster' metaphor effectively but does not fully challenge mainstream genre conventions.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Hellboy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on the romance between Hellboy and Liz Sherman, following a traditional structure that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. It does not include explicit representations of non-binary or LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Hellboy portray gender?

Fair

Liz Sherman plays a significant role in the story, using her elemental powers to rival the male lead. However, her character arc is tied to traditional romantic clichés and her role as a protector.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hellboy?

Good

The B.P.R.D. team includes non-human characters like Abe Sapien, which serve as metaphors for racial and ethnic diversity. This breaks the expectation of a homogenous cast by incorporating fantastical elements.

How does Hellboy represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story relies on Western folklore and government-sanctioned authority, emphasizing the preservation of the status quo rather than challenging institutional power.

Does Hellboy include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores bodily differences through Hellboy’s demonic physiology and Abe Sapien’s unique anatomy. Both characters have significant roles in the story and are not merely used as plot devices or inspirational figures.

Present on Screen

Non-human characters like Abe Sapien and Hellboy have significant roles and identities.
Diverse species serve as powerful metaphors for racial and ethnic diversity.
Liz Sherman has elemental powers that rival the male protagonist.

Limited or Absent

The romantic structure follows traditional straight-centered patterns.
Gender dynamics remain tied to conventional romantic clichés.
The narrative lacks a critique of Western institutional power or social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Hellboy comes to England, where he must defeat Nimue, Merlin's consort and the Blood Queen. But their battle will bring about the end of the world, a fate he desperately tries to turn away.

How are these scores produced? →