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Things to Come

Name: Things to Come
Director: William Cameron Menzies
Released: 1936
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

1936

Director

William Cameron Menzies

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Things to Come is a historical example of technocratic progressivism. While it falls short of modern standards for identity-based representation, it offers a radical reimagining of social organization. The film’s strength lies in its systemic critique rather than demographic inclusion. The narrative challenges the concept of the heroic individual, favoring scientific evolution over the sanctity of the nation-state. It questions religious authority by presenting a secular, intellectual meritocracy as the solution to global anarchy. However, the vision of the future remains culturally narrow. The lack of racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ diversity limits the film’s progressive reach to its philosophical and political frameworks.

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Category Breakdown

Does Things to Come have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships. Social structures are based on the assumption that everyone is straight and cisgender, reflecting the norms of the 1930s.

How does Things to Come portray gender?

Limited

The film portrays a predominantly male-dominated hierarchy, with men in key roles such as scientists and political leaders. Women are mostly relegated to supporting roles that reinforce traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Things to Come?

Limited

The film features a largely homogenous cast, dominated by white characters. Its portrayal of a globalized future remains visually and culturally rooted in a Eurocentric perspective.

How does Things to Come represent religion and culture?

Good

The film effectively questions traditional Western institutions, prioritizing scientific rationalism and a technocratic society over religious or traditional structures to promote human progress.

Does Things to Come include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature physical or neurodivergent disabilities as central plot devices or character arcs.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional political frameworks and religious authority.
Promotes a secular, scientific vision of human progress.
Critiques the destructive nature of nationalism and uncontrolled capitalism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity in key roles.
Maintains a predominantly male-dominated social hierarchy.
Provides no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-binary characters.

Official Synopsis

The story of a century: a decades-long second World War leaves plague and anarchy, then a rational state rebuilds civilization and attempts space travel.

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