Movie review
July 9, 2022 · 88 min · G
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The movie pushes non-binary identity and acceptance of all differences the whole way through. A-Spen is a non-binary alien using they/them pronouns with a crush on Zed then pairing up with a female werewolf. The story constantly lectures about welcoming outsiders, embracing every kind of different, and finding your true identity through the alien invasion and Addison’s heritage reveal. Songs and plot hammer inclusion nonstop.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3.
Woke representation / casting
Non-binary actor Terry Hu plays non-binary alien A-Spen (Disney’s first leading non-binary character) with they/them pronouns featured prominently and marketed as historic rep.
Woke political dialogue
Acceptance messaging and they/them pronouns appear in dialogue and songs.
Identity-driven story themes
Plot revolves around accepting aliens as new outsiders, Addison’s alien identity reveal, and non-binary character’s integration and fluid attraction.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Mild portrayal of small-town prejudice against “different” groups overcome by inclusion; no strong attacks on patriarchy, capitalism, or Western institutions.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some conservative criticism of non-binary/LGBT elements in a family movie, but limited and not a dominant backlash.
Creator track record context
Writers built the Zombies franchise around escalating acceptance themes and publicly linked it to promoting decency in polarized times.
Production
