In the Heat of the Night (1967) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

20%

In the Heat of the Night1967

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

For its time, “In the Heat of the Night” is far from woke by today’s standards. While it addresses hot-button issues, it focuses on character, skill, and justice, with little sign of ideological preaching or forced representation.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

While the film tackles racial stereotypes and tensions, it largely lets its characters' personalities, competence, and growth drive the story rather than checking boxes for representation. Virgil Tibbs is a well-rounded, competent detective, and the plot remains rooted in its murder mystery without feeling hijacked by ideology.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Mildly Woke

What is this?

The movie doesn’t mock traditional family or religious values and even presents small-town life respectfully, if critically. It does challenge some cultural norms regarding race for its time, but this speaks to historical context rather than agenda-driven revisionism.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Mildly Woke

What is this?

There's clear criticism of racism, which fits the story's era. However, the film gives its antagonist complexity rather than cardboard villainy, and it doesn't dismiss all traditional views outright, leaving some room for nuanced interpretation.

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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.