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An American Hate Crime

Name: An American Hate Crime
Director: Ian Liberatore
Released: 2018
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2018

Director

Ian Liberatore

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

An American Hate Crime offers a focused, intense look at the intersection of queer identity and digital-age violence. By centering Noah’s internal journey, the film makes the stakes feel deeply personal. The film effectively uses social media as a thematic tool to explore modern vulnerabilities. However, the scope of its social commentary is somewhat narrow, as the narrative prioritizes the specific conflict of the hate crime over a broader exploration of gender or systemic social roles. While the film is a potent critique of social hostility, the lack of information regarding racial and disability representation prevents a more comprehensive evaluation of its diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does An American Hate Crime have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film follows Noah, a gay teenager, as he navigates his identity and self-discovery. It highlights how digital spaces can be both supportive connections and dangerous places where predators may exploit him.

How does An American Hate Crime portray gender?

Fair

The narrative emphasizes the conflict between aggressors and victims, focusing on toxic masculinity through the attackers' pursuit of dominance and violence. It does not delve into deconstructing gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is An American Hate Crime?

Minimal

The provided information does not specify the racial or ethnic identities of the characters. No assessment can be made regarding the presence of diverse racial backgrounds.

How does An American Hate Crime represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques the breakdown of community safety and the fragility of social institutions. It uses a hate crime to highlight broader societal tensions.

Does An American Hate Crime include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Focuses on a queer protagonist with significant emotional depth and ability to act.
Provides a nuanced critique of how digital spaces impact LGBTQ+ safety.
Uses social realism to explore systemic interpersonal violence.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide explicit representation or information regarding racial and ethnic diversity.
Does not actively challenge traditional gender hierarchies.
Does not include characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Jake, a college drop out, along with his friends decide to take their homophobia to a whole other level when when they decide to download a gay oriented social media app where they would lure and attack innocent victims. Noah, a just coming to terms gay teen, doesn't know who to talk to about his feelings and turns to the same social media app the attackers use on their prey. Told from both perspectives of the main characters and a chilling conclusion that will alter everyone's lives forever.

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