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What We Do for Love

What We Do for Love

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2023

Director

John Bradshaw

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

What We Do for Love succeeds in modernizing the romantic comedy through its casting and character dynamics. By centering an ambitious, Type A female lead, the film challenges the passive female stereotypes often found in the genre. The professional rivalry between Sophie and Jason provides a framework for strong character development. The production also excels in racial representation. The ensemble cast reflects a multi-ethnic professional world, making the Manhattan setting feel authentic and inclusive. This intentionality in casting helps the film move past the monolithic casting common in traditional romances. However, the film remains tied to conventional narrative structures. The reliance on a central heterosexual romance limits its exploration of LGBTQ+ identities, and the lack of visible disability representation leaves gaps in its inclusivity.

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Category Breakdown

Does What We Do for Love have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story follows a traditional romantic comedy structure focused on a heterosexual pairing. There is no representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities, nor any narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does What We Do for Love portray gender?

Good

Sophie is a strong, ambitious professional who challenges the stereotype of female passivity. Her success in a high-stakes corporate environment highlights the capabilities of women in leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What We Do for Love?

Good

The cast includes actors like Mekdes Teshome and Zarrin Darnell-Martin, moving beyond the typical Anglo-Saxon cast. This diverse ensemble reflects the multicultural reality of a modern Manhattan setting.

How does What We Do for Love represent religion and culture?

Fair

The focus on the wellness industry suggests a shift toward secularism or non-traditional spirituality. The narrative prioritizes individual psychological well-being over traditional religious or communal morality.

Does What We Do for Love include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.

Present on Screen

  • The protagonist challenges gender stereotypes through her strong ability to act and professional ambition.
  • The cast features intentional racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a multicultural Manhattan.
  • The setting explores modern, secular wellness culture rather than traditional religious hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

  • The narrative adheres to traditional heterosexual romantic structures, lacking LGBTQ+ representation.
  • There is no visible representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
  • The plot relies on conventional romantic comedy clichés that limit social critique.

Official Synopsis

Type A personality, Sophie outgrows her job at a small mediation company, and secures a job at the famous Lower Manhattan mediation and wellness firm, Floating Lotus. Always up for a challenge, Sophie dives headfirst into her role as Associate Mediator. She finds herself at loggerheads with the companies chief Life Coach and lothario, Jason Sharpe who is the son of the firm’s President. Jason’s a loveable rouge, who charms his way into people’s hearts. The two are forced to work together.

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