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Haunted Mansion

Name: Haunted Mansion
Director: Justin Simien
Released: 2023
Duration: 123 min

Representation Score

7.7/10

Good

2023

PG-13

Director

Justin Simien

Runtime

123 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Haunted Mansion succeeds in its intentional subversion of genre norms by placing a Black mother and son at the center of a supernatural mystery. This shift challenges the traditional white-centric casting often found in high-fantasy and horror films. The film also provides a strong portrayal of women's ability to drive the story through Anika, whose leadership drives the plot. This offers a more nuanced view of motherhood and strength than typical genre clichés. However, the film remains limited in its engagement with other underrepresented identities. The lack of LGBTQ+ representation and disability-specific narratives prevents a more comprehensive inclusive experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does Haunted Mansion have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers on traditional family structures and does not include any prominent LGBTQ characters or storylines that challenge standard gender or orientation norms.

How does Haunted Mansion portray gender?

Good

Anika serves as the narrative's primary driver, acting as a protective single mother. This positioning subverts clichés that often sideline women in fantasy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Haunted Mansion?

Excellent

The film excels by centering a Black family as the main protagonists. This choice disrupts the historical tendency to cast white families in the haunted house genre.

How does Haunted Mansion represent religion and culture?

Fair

New Orleans' spiritual atmosphere informs the supernatural elements. The film emphasizes localized, non-Western aesthetics rather than standard Hollywood clichés.

Does Haunted Mansion include disability representation?

Fair

There is no significant emphasis on visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are defined by familial roles rather than neurodivergence or physical disability.

Present on Screen

Centering a Black family disrupts traditional white-centric casting in the haunted house genre.
Anika provides a strong portrayal of women's ability to drive the story and leadership as a single mother.
The use of New Orleans' cultural and spiritual heritage adds a unique, non-Western texture.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks prominent LGBTQ+ characters or storylines to challenge straight-centered assumptions.
There is no significant representation of neurodivergence or physical disabilities within the character arcs.

Official Synopsis

A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

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