
Movie review
Booksmart
Woke Score
Lower is better
- Release Date
- May 24, 2019
- Age Rating
- R
- Runtime
- 102 min
Where to Watch
United States · Last checked 5/16/2026
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Breakdown
Factors & Ratings
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Booksmart.
Representation / casting choices
Naturalistic high school casting with fitting diversity in supporting roles; prominent lesbian protagonist and on-screen same-sex kiss/intimacy add visible queer representation that stands out in the story.
Political / ideological dialogue
Occasional feminist references and empowerment talk appear in natural banter between friends, including direct nods to Malala and Ruth Bader Ginsburg; comedic rather than lecture-style.
Identity-driven story themes
Strong emphasis on female ambition, friendship, and breaking gender stereotypes for girls; one lead's queer crush and exploration form a key emotional arc with clear identity focus.
Institutional / cultural critique
Light pushback against stereotypes of smart girls, internal misogyny among peers, and societal pressure on young women to be perfect; no heavy systemic attacks on capitalism, patriarchy as institution, or conservative norms.
