Descendants (2015) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictWoke

65%

Descendants2015

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

Descendants flirts with a woke sensibility, favoring modern values over tradition and giving identity a starring role. Still, compared to today’s standards, it almost looks balanced, almost.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Woke

What is this?

Descendants puts a strong emphasis on the identity and heritage of its main characters, with 'good' and 'bad' often mapped onto social class and parentage rather than individual merit. However, the narrative still allows for some traditional character development, so it doesn't go full caricature.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Woke

What is this?

Family is depicted as both a source of trouble and redemption, but there’s a clear undercurrent critiquing parents, especially the villains, and celebrating breaking free from tradition. Masculinity and femininity are somewhat flattened, but not aggressively derided.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Woke

What is this?

While the movie pushes for acceptance and challenges the old 'good versus evil' dichotomy, opposing viewpoints aren’t taken very seriously, anyone holding to tradition is set up for a lesson. Still, there’s a bit of nuance that keeps it from being totally one-note.

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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.