Wonder Wheel (2017) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

Wonder Wheel2017

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

Wonder Wheel is an old-school melodrama that keeps its focus on timeless, messy human issues, largely sidestepping modern ideological agendas. If you want a break from the usual Hollywood wokeness, this one’s refreshingly non-woke.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Wonder Wheel, set in 1950s Coney Island, focuses heavily on character-driven drama rather than prioritizing contemporary identity politics or forced representation. Character traits like gender, race, and sexuality aren't artificially emphasized, with traditional narrative and personal conflict taking the lead.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film presents traditional family and personal struggles without subverting or mocking classic values. While flawed, characters are treated as products of their time, not as caricatures for modern commentary. Religion, family, and masculinity are explored neutrally rather than being undermined.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

There’s a diverse array of worldviews and none are depicted as purely villainous strawmen. The story allows for authentic, messy conflicts without overt modern ideological messaging or obvious jabs at traditional values.

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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.