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Spell

Name: Spell
Director: Dulyasit Niyomgul
Released: 2014
Duration: 79 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2014

Not Rated

Director

Dulyasit Niyomgul

Runtime

79 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Spell is a genre-driven exploration of Thai folklore and supernatural causality. It succeeds in providing a non-Western perspective that naturally challenges Anglo-centric media standards through its cultural setting and cast. However, the film remains tied to traditional social structures. The narrative focuses on superstition and romantic obsession rather than deconstructing identity politics or systemic hierarchies. Ultimately, the film functions as a localized horror piece. It prioritizes traditional spiritual consequences over progressive social commentary or characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Spell have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers around traditional romantic plots involving a love potion. It does not include any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or stories that challenge the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Spell portray gender?

Fair

A female protagonist and a pregnant spirit play key roles in driving the plot. Women have significant influence, but the story relies on established horror clichés rather than challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Spell?

Fair

The film features a predominantly non-Western cast and setting. It offers a departure from typical Hollywood norms but does not heavily blend different aspects of identity as a primary theme.

How does Spell represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story delves deeply into local spiritualism and folk beliefs. It operates within a framework of traditional superstition and karmic consequences rather than modern critiques.

Does Spell include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not provide any clear evidence of the portrayal of physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides a non-Western cinematic perspective through its Thai setting and cast.
Centers female characters through the lens of possession and supernatural ability to act.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Does not utilize themes that blend different aspects of identity to challenge traditional social hierarchies.
Provides no visible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A young woman becomes possessed by the spirit of a pregnant women after her childhood friend Lek gives her a love potion made from burning the dead pregnant woman’s chin.

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