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One of the primary elements affecting acting quality is casting. Miscasting can lead to a disconnect between the audience and the story, breaking immersion and diminishing overall believability. The example cited involves Amanda Stenberg in The Acolyte, where her performance has been criticized as lacking the necessary gravitas and range for her dual roles as May and Oeria. Critics argue that Stenberg was likely cast not for her acting prowess but to fulfill diversity quotas—being a Black lesbian woman in a prominent role—highlighting a troubling trend in casting decisions that prioritize representation over suitability.