Movie review
October 22, 2021 · 137 min · R
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The Harder They Fall is a stylish revenge Western in which outlaw Nat Love reunites his gang to confront rival Rufus Buck after a prison release in the Old West. The film uses an all-Black principal cast to portray fictionalized versions of real historical Black figures from the era. It includes visible queer representation through the supporting character Cuffee, who presents masculinely and shares a same-sex relationship with Stagecoach Mary, alongside strong female outlaw roles.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Harder They Fall.
Woke representation / casting
Queer Cuffee character with masculine presentation and same-sex relationship
Woke political dialogue
No political or ideological dialogue
Identity-driven story themes
Identity-driven elements through queer character and strong female outlaws
Western institutional / cultural critique
Genre correction for Black presence in West
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
Production
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Absence of major woke complaints or backlash
Creator track record context
Director Jeymes Samuel's statements and prior work emphasize representation
