Movie review
June 10, 2021 · 143 min · PG-13
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The story follows bodega owner Usnavi and residents of Washington Heights as they pursue personal dreams, romance, and community ties in a vibrant Latino neighborhood through song and dance. The narrative emphasizes cultural pride, family bonds, and resilience amid everyday challenges. It includes normalized portrayal of a lesbian relationship between salon owners Daniela and Carla along with references to gentrification and racism.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for In the Heights.
Woke representation / casting
Visible lesbian relationship added for Daniela and Carla as normalized LGBTQ representation.
Woke political dialogue
Occasional mentions of gentrification and immigration status.
Identity-driven story themes
Central emphasis on Latino cultural pride and community in the narrative.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Depicts gentrification and racism as issues in the story world.
Woke character or canon changes
Made Daniela and Carla a romantic couple, which they were not in the original musical.
Production
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
No backlash for being too woke; only "not diverse enough" criticism ignored per guidelines.
Creator track record context
Writer's activism and Miranda's rep-focused history provide supporting context.
