The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

Bias Rating

Analyzing...

Strong Left

Viewer Rating

Rating: 4.3

Overview

Dr. Helen Benson is summoned to a military facility with several other scientists when an alien spacecraft of sorts arrives in New York City. Aboard is a human-like alien and a giant robot of immense size and power. The ...

Starring Cast

Keanu Reeves • Jennifer Connelly • Kathy Bates

Where to watch

Hulu

Prime Video

Apple TV

Bias Dimensions

Political: Strong Left

Diversity: High

Race Swap: Yes

Overview

Starring Cast

Keanu Reeves • Jennifer Connelly • Kathy Bates

Where to watch

Hulu

Prime Video

Apple TV

Detailed Bias Analysis

Analyzing...

Strong Left

Primary

Political: Strong LeftConfidence: High

The film's central thesis explicitly promotes a progressive environmentalist ideology, portraying humanity as a destructive force threatening the planet and advocating for a fundamental, collective shift in behavior to ensure Earth's survival.

Diversity: HighConfidence: High

The movie demonstrates intentional diversity through the explicit racial recasting of a traditionally white child character. However, its narrative focuses broadly on humanity's impact on the environment and does not explicitly critique traditional identities based on race or gender.

Secondary

Race Swap: YesConfidence: High

The character of Jacob Benson, Helen's son/stepson, is portrayed by a Black actor in the 2008 film. In the 1951 original, the equivalent character, Bobby Benson, was portrayed by a white actor, constituting a race swap.

LGBTQ: N/AConfidence: High

The film does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Its narrative focuses on environmentalism, humanity's impact on Earth, and an alien's judgment, without incorporating queer identities or experiences.

FemPower: NoConfidence: High

The film focuses on Dr. Helen Benson, a scientist, who primarily engages in intellectual and diplomatic efforts to understand and influence an alien entity. There are no scenes depicting her, or any other female character, engaging in or winning direct physical combat against one or more male opponents.

Gender Swap: NoConfidence: High

The 2008 film is a remake of the 1951 movie. Key characters like Klaatu, Helen Benson, and the child figure (Bobby/Jacob) retain their original genders from the source material. No established character undergoes a gender change.