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What Lola Wants

Name: What Lola Wants
Director: Rupert Glasson
Released: 2015
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2015

Director

Rupert Glasson

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

What Lola Wants is a character-driven road movie that emphasizes individual autonomy over social stability. The film's strength lies in the ability to act of its female lead, who actively shapes her circumstances to achieve independence. While the film does not explicitly represent LGBTQ+ identities or document racial diversity, it delves into complex ethical themes. The tension between personal loyalty and capitalist incentives adds layers of moral complexity. Ultimately, the film serves as an exploration of rebellion against traditional institutions, even though it adheres to a conventional romantic framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Lola Wants have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on a heterosexual relationship between Lola and Marlo. There are no queer narratives or non-cisgender identities represented in the story.

How does What Lola Wants portray gender?

Fair

Lola Franklin is a proactive protagonist who drives the plot through strategic deception. She takes control of her own destiny, challenging the typical damsel in distress cliché by making her own decisive choices.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Lola Wants?

Fair

Set in a New Mexico diner, the setting offers potential for diverse casting. However, the specific racial identities of the ensemble are not explicitly detailed.

How does What Lola Wants represent religion and culture?

Good

The story explores moral relativism and skepticism towards authority. It contrasts individual freedom with traditional societal incentives such as parental control and financial rewards.

Does What Lola Wants include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative provides no evidence regarding the inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist demonstrates significant control and decisiveness.
The narrative explores intricate themes of moral relativism and situational ethics.
The plot challenges traditional 'damsel in distress' clichés through character-driven deception.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
There is no documented inclusion of characters with disabilities.
The racial and ethnic makeup of the ensemble remains unspecified.

Official Synopsis

Seventeen year old LOLA FRANKLIN runs away from home but allows the world to believe she has been kidnapped. Intent on making her way across country, she meets a boy (MARLO) her age in a New Mexico diner. They fall instantly in love. But when Marlo learns of the reward for Lola's safe return, he must confront his own past and decide whether to take Lola back home to collect the reward or help her continue her mysterious journey.

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