You are here:

Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy

Name: Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy
Director: Gerardo Herrero
Released: 2024
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

2024

Director

Gerardo Herrero

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy is a geopolitical thriller that leans heavily on established genre clichés. While it includes a multi-ethnic cast and addresses systemic violence in the Syrian conflict, it remains anchored in traditional narrative structures. The film's diversity is largely incidental to its setting rather than a core thematic driver. It uses the suffering of underrepresented groups, such as women in slavery, as a backdrop for a male-driven espionage plot rather than providing them who play a significant role in driving the story. Ultimately, the work functions as a standard intelligence drama. It incorporates ethnic variety through its protagonists but lacks the depth needed to challenge conventional social hierarchies.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or themes. It does not explore any non-traditional gender identities.

How does Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy portray gender?

Limited

The plot acknowledges the harsh reality of women being sold into slavery but centers the story around male agents. Female characters are mainly portrayed as victims rather than leaders.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy?

Fair

The story features a diverse cast, including a Spanish agent of Moroccan descent and a Russian operative. This provides a multi-ethnic perspective within a complex geopolitical setting.

How does Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores the tension between international security forces and extremist religious groups. It follows a traditional thriller framework centered on regional stability and intelligence operations.

Does Raqqa: Spy vs. Spy include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this production.

Present on Screen

Features a multi-ethnic cast including Moroccan-descended and Russian characters.
Addresses systemic gendered violence and the realities of the Syrian conflict.

Limited or Absent

Lacks women's ability to drive the story, often relegating women to roles of victimization.
Fails to include LGBTQ+ representation or neurodivergent perspectives.
Relies on traditional geopolitical clichés rather than challenging social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

An enigmatic international spy in the service of Russia and a Spanish agent of Moroccan origin working for Europol coincide in the Syrian city of Raqqa, an enclave of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS). Both, despite being on opposite sides, have a common goal, to locate the whereabouts of one of the main leaders of the Jihad, known as The Jordan, to facilitate his elimination and precipitate the fall of the organization. In an atmosphere of mutual distrust, both will have to evade dangers, from summary executions to women sold into slavery.

How are these scores produced? →