You are here:
How to Make Out

How to Make Out

2020

Director

Adeline Picault

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Arthur, 15, has a crush on Ouassima, who does not even look at him ... While he has never been upset, she goes out with Matt, the handsome kid from college. To get closer to her, Arthur gathers a group of single losers and offers to give them lessons in fishing, at 10 euros per lesson. In the changing rooms of the swimming pool, a long intimate and collective learning begins on "girls and love: instructions for use".

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

6.3/10

Good


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Fair

The film explores adolescent romantic pursuits within a communal setting. While specific LGBTQ+ identities are not explicitly detailed, the narrative focuses on social outsiders navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.

Gender Representation

Good

The story subverts traditional romantic tropes by centering on a protagonist defined by social inadequacy. Ouassima is depicted with significant agency, resisting the typical male-dominated pursuit narrative.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Good

The presence of names like Ouassima suggests a multicultural social fabric. The film integrates diverse identities naturally into a contemporary setting rather than relying on homogeneous casting.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The narrative critiques social meritocracy by focusing on a group of 'losers' and an informal economy. It prioritizes situational ethics and social experimentation over traditional institutional guidance.

Disability Representation

Minimal

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

Strengths

  • Subverts traditional gender tropes by giving the female lead significant social agency.
  • Presents a naturalized, multicultural social environment through diverse character naming.
  • Critiques adolescent social hierarchies by centering on social outsiders and 'losers'.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities within the romantic narrative.
  • Provides no visible engagement with physical or neurodivergent disability representation.

AI Analysis

How to Make Out offers a nuanced look at adolescent social hierarchies by centering on characters who exist on the fringes of popularity. By reframing masculinity through vulnerability and social struggle, the film avoids many tired coming-of-age clichés. The film succeeds in presenting a multicultural environment where diverse names and identities feel integrated into the social fabric. This naturalistic approach to ethnicity provides a more authentic reflection of contemporary social landscapes. However, the lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities limits the scope of its inclusivity. While the film interrogates social structures, it remains focused on a specific subset of adolescent romantic navigation.

How are these scores produced? →

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.