You are here:

Dark Match

Name: Dark Match
Director: Lowell Dean
Released: 2024
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2024

Director

Lowell Dean

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Dark Match uses the high-stakes world of professional wrestling to explore themes of power and influence. By placing strong female characters in central roles, the film challenges traditional gender norms in horror. Despite the 1980s setting and rural backdrop, which typically promote homogeneity, the inclusion of prominent actors of color adds a layer of diversity. The cult narrative also serves as a critique of authoritative structures. However, the film does not address LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities, resulting in a profile that emphasizes character-driven conflict over broader inclusivity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Dark Match have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights intense personal conflicts and underlying emotions. Though no LGBTQ identities are explicitly stated, the complex interactions between characters hint at a move away from conventional dynamics.

How does Dark Match portray gender?

Good

Women play key roles through characters like Miss Behave and Kate the Great. Their strong presence and physical abilities drive the plot, challenging stereotypes of passive female horror characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dark Match?

Fair

Including actors like Ayisha Issa and Mo Jabari in major roles breaks the usual homogeneity found in rural horror films. This casting choice ensures meaningful representation of people of color in central events.

How does Dark Match represent religion and culture?

Good

The storyline criticizes organized belief systems through a secretive cult led by The Prophet. This setup explores the risks of charismatic leadership within isolated communities.

Does Dark Match include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not feature characters dealing with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

Strong female roles through central characters like Miss Behave and Kate the Great.
Prominent roles for actors of color in a rural setting.
Subversion of traditional gender roles within the wrestling context.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
No portrayal of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Insufficient attention to the the way different parts of someone's identity overlap of the broader cast.

Official Synopsis

A small-time wrestling company accepts a well-paying gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader with devious plans for their match.

How are these scores produced? →