Movie review
February 8, 2016 · 110 min · R
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
How to Be Single is a 2016 romantic comedy following several young women in New York City as they navigate single life, casual dating, careers, friendship, and personal growth after one recent grad takes a break from her long-term relationship. Multiple female characters explore sexual freedom and independence, with some choosing single motherhood or staying happily single while others pursue more traditional paths. The narrative positively frames challenges to traditional gender roles and family norms as valid and empowering options.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for How to Be Single.
Woke representation / casting
Mostly natural casting for the NYC setting with minor inclusive elements.
Woke political dialogue
Normalization of casual sex and female sexual agency without judgment.
Identity-driven story themes
Positive emphasis on women choosing independence, sexual exploration, and non-traditional life paths over conventional gender and family roles.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Anti-conservative framing that presents sexual liberalism and career/single life as preferable or equally valid alternatives to traditional marriage and motherhood timelines.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant (original story).
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Very weak to absent.
Creator track record context
No activist pattern.
Production
