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Hell-ephone

Name: Hell-ephone
Director: George Bonilla
Released: 2008
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

0.8/10

Minimal

2008

Director

George Bonilla

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Hell-ephone follows a traditional horror structure centered around a manipulative male figure and a group of college students. The narrative focuses on a prank gone wrong, breaking down social empathy. The story adheres to conventional horror clichés without challenging systemic hierarchies or offering diverse representation. The film explores moral relativism and the breakdown of social bonds but does not provide multi-layered character arcs or diverse casting.

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Category Breakdown

Does Hell-ephone have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any visible LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-straight identities. The plot revolves around a central prank-based horror premise.

How does Hell-ephone portray gender?

Fair

The story is set within a patriarchal academic environment where power is held by a male authority figure. There are no depictions of diverse gender roles or subversions of traditional gender norms.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hell-ephone?

Minimal

The racial and ethnic makeup of the cast is not specified. There is no indication of diverse racial backgrounds or varied character's ability to drive the story.

How does Hell-ephone represent religion and culture?

Limited

The storyline mocks the sanctity of funeral homes and mourning practices. It is unclear whether this critique targets systemic issues or individual behavior.

Does Hell-ephone include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Mental health and neurodivergent conditions are not addressed in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Explores complex themes of moral relativism and the breakdown of social empathy.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ representation and non-straight identities.
Does not showcase racial or ethnic diversity among characters.
Fails to include characters with disabilities or neurodivergent traits.
Relies on a traditional patriarchal academic hierarchy.

Official Synopsis

Hell-ephone tells the story of a prank gone horribly wrong. A group of college students, led by The Circuit Maker, a Svengali-like professor, make prank calls to funeral homes. After intently researching the obituaries, they try and convince whoever answers the call that they are the deceased calling from the great beyond.

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