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Intimate Partner Violence on Screen

Almaliki, Dori LU (2025) STVK04 20242
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis investigates the portrayal of intimate partner violence (IPV) in The Invisible Man and It Ends with Us, focusing on the cultural narratives these films construct and their broader social implications. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis, Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory, and Raewyn Connell’s concept of the gender order, the study explores how the films depict IPV and engage with prevailing social norms and power structures.

The Invisible Man critiques the often-hidden nature of abuse, using the antagonist’s wealth and technological prowess to highlight systemic enablers of control and violence. However, the film’s reliance on a binary "good versus evil" framing overshadows more nuanced realities of abuse. It Ends with... (More)
This thesis investigates the portrayal of intimate partner violence (IPV) in The Invisible Man and It Ends with Us, focusing on the cultural narratives these films construct and their broader social implications. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis, Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory, and Raewyn Connell’s concept of the gender order, the study explores how the films depict IPV and engage with prevailing social norms and power structures.

The Invisible Man critiques the often-hidden nature of abuse, using the antagonist’s wealth and technological prowess to highlight systemic enablers of control and violence. However, the film’s reliance on a binary "good versus evil" framing overshadows more nuanced realities of abuse. It Ends with Us delves into the complexities of manipulation and emotional entanglement in abusive relationships, offering a lens into the challenges victims face. Despite this, it oversimplifies the process of leaving, failing to address the institutional and social obstacles survivors’ encounter.

Both films personalise IPV, emphasising individual empowerment while largely neglecting systemic dimensions. This thesis argues that such portrayals, while impactful, risk reinforcing misconceptions about abuse and its resolution. The analysis contributes to understanding how popular media reflects and shapes discourses on IPV, highlighting areas for more inclusive and systemic representations. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Almaliki, Dori LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Two Contemporary Films
course
STVK04 20242
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Intimate Partner Violence, Film, Representation, Gender Roles, Critical Discourse Analysis
language
English
id
9179452
date added to LUP
2025-03-04 12:53:57
date last changed
2025-03-04 12:53:57
@misc{9179452,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates the portrayal of intimate partner violence (IPV) in The Invisible Man and It Ends with Us, focusing on the cultural narratives these films construct and their broader social implications. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis, Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory, and Raewyn Connell’s concept of the gender order, the study explores how the films depict IPV and engage with prevailing social norms and power structures.

The Invisible Man critiques the often-hidden nature of abuse, using the antagonist’s wealth and technological prowess to highlight systemic enablers of control and violence. However, the film’s reliance on a binary "good versus evil" framing overshadows more nuanced realities of abuse. It Ends with Us delves into the complexities of manipulation and emotional entanglement in abusive relationships, offering a lens into the challenges victims face. Despite this, it oversimplifies the process of leaving, failing to address the institutional and social obstacles survivors’ encounter.

Both films personalise IPV, emphasising individual empowerment while largely neglecting systemic dimensions. This thesis argues that such portrayals, while impactful, risk reinforcing misconceptions about abuse and its resolution. The analysis contributes to understanding how popular media reflects and shapes discourses on IPV, highlighting areas for more inclusive and systemic representations.}},
  author       = {{Almaliki, Dori}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Intimate Partner Violence on Screen}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}