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The To Do List

Name: The To Do List
Director: Maggie Carey
Released: 2013
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2013

Director

Maggie Carey

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film serves as a transitional text in the teen comedy genre by reconfiguring women's ability to drive the story. By positioning the protagonist as a driver of her own sexual education, it successfully disrupts standard gendered power dynamics. However, the narrative's impact is limited by a lack of multi-layered depth. The story remains largely homogeneous, failing to incorporate diverse racial, LGBTQ+, or disability-based perspectives. Ultimately, while the film makes strides in subverting traditional gender roles, it remains a narrow exploration of a specific social demographic.

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Category Breakdown

Does The To Do List have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on heterosexual relationships without developing non-cisgender or LGBTQ+ identities. It operates within a traditional romantic framework.

How does The To Do List portray gender?

Good

Brandy Klark challenges traditional gender roles by actively pursuing sexual experiences. She drives the plot, showing strong ability to act and breaking the stereotype of passive female characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The To Do List?

Limited

The film's setting and casting reflect a predominantly white, middle-class environment. It lacks depth in representing diverse ethnic backgrounds or race-bent casting.

How does The To Do List represent religion and culture?

Good

The film avoids religious moralizing, focusing instead on personal autonomy and secular themes. It emphasizes individual exploration over traditional institutional values.

Does The To Do List include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant presence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative does not address neurodivergence or physical disability.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by giving the female protagonist a strong role in driving the plot.
Avoids religious moralizing, emphasizing personal autonomy and secular exploration.
Breaks the stereotype of passive female characters in adolescent comedies.

Limited or Absent

Does not meaningfully represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Does not include diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds, resulting in a homogeneous setting.
Does not engage with neurodivergence or physical disability.

Official Synopsis

Feeling pressured to become more sexually experienced before she goes to college, Brandy Klark makes a list of things to accomplish before hitting campus in the fall.

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