You are here:

Eli

Name: Eli
Director: Ciarán Foy
Released: 2019
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

2019

Director

Ciarán Foy

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Eli is a supernatural horror film that emphasizes atmospheric tension and religious clichés over social or identity-focused critiques. Its narrative structure is narrow, centered almost entirely on the male protagonist's struggle within an isolated medical facility. The story unfolds within a closed environment featuring a white nuclear family and a homogeneous medical team, lacking diverse perspectives. It adheres closely to conventional hierarchies and character roles, offering minimal challenges to established norms. Overall, the film functions as a straightforward horror piece. It leverages themes of illness and religious authority to propel a supernatural narrative rather than engaging with complex demographic or systemic issues.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Eli have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives involving non-straight relationships in the film. The story revolves around a nuclear family and a medical environment.

How does Eli portray gender?

Limited

Gender roles are traditional, with parents in typical caregiver positions. Female characters have limited influence, while the male protagonist dominates the storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Eli?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, focusing on a nuclear family and medical staff. The film's setting is devoid of significant racial or ethnic diversity.

How does Eli represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film examines conflicts between medical science and religious beliefs. However, religious elements serve mainly as plot drivers rather than tools for deeper societal critique.

Does Eli include disability representation?

Fair

Eli's autoimmune disorder is the main plot driver. However, the condition is used primarily as a horror element rather than a nuanced look at disability.

Present on Screen

The film uses Eli's autoimmune disorder as a central, driving force for the supernatural plot.
It effectively highlights the conflict between institutional medical authority and personal autonomy.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, presenting a largely homogeneous demographic.
Female characters have limited ability to act and are confined to traditional, non-challenging roles.
The narrative does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer storylines.
Disability is portrayed more as a horror cliché than a nuanced exploration of lived experiences.

Official Synopsis

A boy named Eli with a rare autoimmune disorder is confined to a special experimental clinic for his treatment. He soon begins experiencing supernatural forces, turning the supposedly safe facility into a haunted prison for him and his fellow patients.

How are these scores produced? →