Maleficent (2014) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictHyper Woke

80%

Maleficent2014

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

While visually stunning, 'Maleficent' wears its modern sensibilities on its sleeve, delivering heavy-handed revisions to classic fairy tales and subverting traditional ideals. A definite product of the new Disney era.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Woke

What is this?

'Maleficent' reframes the classic fairy tale from the villain’s perspective, giving her a modern redemption arc. While there’s some emphasis on identity and victimhood, it mostly relies on fantasy motivations and classic storytelling. Forced representation isn’t obvious, but the film does subvert traditional character roles.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Hyper Woke

What is this?

The film notably subverts traditional gender roles by turning the feared villainess into a misunderstood heroine and diminishing the importance of romance and the nuclear family. Masculine characters, especially King Stefan, are portrayed as either weak or villainous, and classic family dynamics are sidelined.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Hyper Woke

What is this?

Male characters lack nuance and are generally villainized or irrelevant, and the story leans heavily into a moral perspective that undermines traditional notions of evil and heroism. Alternative interpretations and classic values get little screen time.

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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.