Affliction (1997) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

Affliction1997

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Affliction is mercifully untouched by the modern woke wave. Its focus is real people and raw drama, not diversity checklists or moral grandstanding. If you’re looking for non-woke cinema, this is a rare safe haven.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Affliction is a solid character-driven drama focused on tragedy, family trauma, and individual collapse. There’s virtually no hint of modern identity politics or characters shoehorned in for representation’s sake. The story emphasizes believable personalities and emotional complexity, not ideological messaging.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film wrestles with family dysfunction and masculinity but does so in a grounded, un-ideological way. While it critiques cycles of abuse, it doesn’t go out of its way to subvert traditional values or paint all aspects of masculinity or family as villainous. Classic themes prevail.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

Alternative worldviews aren’t mocked or reduced to caricature. The film allows space for flawed characters and moral ambiguity without falling back on 'approved' modern narratives. There’s no ideological preaching, just a bleak slice of small-town America.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.