Part 6/12:
The film attempts to embed themes of feminism and diversity, but often misses the mark, veering into heavy-handedness. Gender roles are bludgeoned into the narrative; the President is a woman who had to prove herself twice as much, yet the film also undercuts her credibility with moments revealing her to be largely a figurehead, based on a well-timed photo op.
Diversity is present but often stereotyped—white characters as villains and people of color as allies. An example given is the depiction of mercenaries and staff in Cape Town, which echoes problematic tropes of whiteness and blackness, with subtle hints of racial messaging woven into the storyline.