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How to Build a Better Boy

Name: How to Build a Better Boy
Director: Paul Hoen
Released: 2014
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2014

TV-G

Director

Paul Hoen

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film uses a science-fiction lens to deconstruct the performative nature of masculinity. By treating gender as a programmable variable, it offers a sophisticated critique of social conformity and rigid gender hierarchies. However, the work is limited by its lack of demographic breadth. The narrative remains centered in a homogeneous setting, offering almost no representation of diverse racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ identities. Ultimately, while the thematic exploration of gender is intellectually engaging, the film fails to provide meaningful inclusion for neurodivergent, disabled, or non-straight-centered characters.

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Category Breakdown

Does How to Build a Better Boy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters and does not explore non-straight identities. It focuses solely on traditional masculinity without offering any queer perspectives.

How does How to Build a Better Boy portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional masculinity by presenting it as a manufactured, artificial construct. It critiques gender hierarchies through the high-tech reprogramming of a male character.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How to Build a Better Boy?

Limited

The story is set in a homogeneous, middle-class environment. There is no evidence of diverse ethnic representation or perspectives outside Anglo-Saxon culture.

How does How to Build a Better Boy represent religion and culture?

Good

The film challenges the traditional nuclear family by depicting forced behavioral modification through technology. It critiques manufactured identity and social norms.

Does How to Build a Better Boy include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters are portrayed within a standard neurotypical and able-bodied framework. There is no representation of physical or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

Uses a science-fiction lens to deconstruct masculinity as a manufactured trait.
Critiques social conformity through technological identity modification.
Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by portraying masculinity as a programmed directive.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ representation and exploration of non-straight identities.
Does not include racial and ethnic diversity within the domestic setting.
No representation of neurodivergent, physical, or mental health disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After inadvertently inputting the qualities of the ideal boyfriend into a high-tech government computer, two social outcasts named Mae and Gabby must contend with Albert, a cybernetic sweetheart with only one directive: to treat Mae to the perfect highschool romance.

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