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To the Beat!

Name: To the Beat!
Director: Jillian Clare
Released: 2018
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Fair

2018

TV-PG

Director

Jillian Clare

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

To the Beat! is a conventional family comedy centered around female protagonists. The story is driven by the competitive spirit and intelligence of the Castillo twins as they compete in a pop star's dance competition. While the film offers opportunities for diverse representation through its lead characters, it lacks depth in other areas. It does not include any visible LGBTQ+ representation or characters with disabilities. The narrative follows standard commercial clichés. Ultimately, the film serves as a traditional coming-of-age story. It highlights female leadership but falls short of providing the multi-layered complexity needed for a higher diversity score.

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Category Breakdown

Does To the Beat! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or relationships. The narrative focuses mainly on the competitive relationship between the twins and their social circles.

How does To the Beat! portray gender?

Fair

The story emphasizes the leadership and competitiveness of the female protagonists, Mia and Mackie Castillo. It highlights their roles in the dance community rather than traditional domestic roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is To the Beat!?

Fair

The Castillo surname hints at a Hispanic or Latino heritage for the main characters. However, the racial diversity of the supporting cast and rival characters is not specified.

How does To the Beat! represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative follows conventional family values and typical adolescent aspirations. It focuses on standard milestones and passions without challenging established social norms.

Does To the Beat! include disability representation?

Limited

The film does not feature any characters with physical or cognitive disabilities. The emphasis on high-level dance skills may imply a preference for able-bodied performers.

Present on Screen

The film centers on female leadership and competition through its twin protagonists.
The Castillo surname suggests a meaningful representation of Hispanic or Latino heritage.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities.
The focus on intense physical dance may exclude characters with disabilities.
The plot relies on conventional, aspirational clichés rather than challenging social structures.

Official Synopsis

To the Beat follows 14-year-old twins Mia and Mackie Castillo - dancers since they were toddlers. Beginning at just three years old, that's been their one true passion. They support each other through competitions and rehearsals, even though they dance different styles. Mia loves tap and Mackie loves jazz. When their favorite pop star launches an online contest to find the most unique dance group for his next music video, the twins each form their own team to compete for the chance to dance in the video - enlisting their friends and family to help gain online votes. Meanwhile, their arch rival and neighbor, Avery, the best dancer of all (who knows it too) uses her charm and resources to get the upper hand in the competition.

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