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Held

Name: Held
Director: Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing
Released: 2020
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2020

Director

Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Held is a psychological thriller that uses the breakdown of domesticity as its primary engine. It avoids traditional thriller clichés by focusing on the instability of the marital unit and the fragility of the home. While the film lacks representation regarding race, gender identity, or disability, it offers a moderate thematic critique of Western social institutions. The narrative explores how surveillance and infidelity compromise traditional notions of safety. Ultimately, the film remains within a standard thriller framework, prioritizing psychological realism over a broad or inclusive range of diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Held have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a heterosexual couple dealing with marital infidelity and domestic issues. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities represented in the story.

How does Held portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around the breakdown of a traditional marriage and domestic instability. It examines marriage problems but does not clearly subvert traditional gender roles or give a significant role in driving the story to characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Held?

Limited

The cast and setting suggest a lack of diversity and a predominantly white population. The narrative focuses on a localized, potentially homogeneous domestic conflict typical of the thriller genre.

How does Held represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film deconstructs the idealized nuclear family by highlighting infidelity and dysfunction. It also critiques authority and privacy through an unseen, controlling voice.

Does Held include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. The characters' main struggles are psychological and situational.

Present on Screen

Explores the deconstruction of traditional domestic roles and the nuclear family unit.
Provides a critique of authority and surveillance through its central plot device.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Shows no evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the cast or setting.
Does not include characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A couple's ailing marriage is put to the test when they are held hostage in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen Voice that commands their every move and threatens harm if they don’t obey.

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