Shirley (2020) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictHyper Woke

80%

Shirley2020

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

"Shirley" is a quintessential modern indie drama: intentionally subversive, leaning hard into identity politics, and rarely giving traditional perspectives meaningful space. It’s highly stylized and smart, but in our view, definitely high on the woke-o-meter.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Woke

What is this?

"Shirley" puts quirky identity dynamics front and center, often emphasizing sexual orientation and gender role subversion over traditional storytelling and character arcs. While the film has narrative intrigue, these themes occasionally override organic plot or character development, leaving the story feeling slightly secondary to the message.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Hyper Woke

What is this?

The film challenges traditional gender roles, with both main female characters breaking with expectations and masculinity played as either feckless or sinister. Family is portrayed as constraining, and heteronormative domesticity gets little sympathy. Classic cultural foundations seem more like props for deconstruction than anything else.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Hyper Woke

What is this?

There's a strong consensus among major characters regarding the value of subversion, queerness, and disillusionment with tradition. Alternative perspectives are largely confined to shallow or negative portrayals, with little true debate or sympathy for more traditional worldviews.

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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.