
Permission
2018

2013
PG-13Director
Michael Dowse
Runtime
98 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
Medical-school dropout Wallace has been repeatedly burned by bad relationships. So while everyone around him, including his roommate Allan, seems to be finding the perfect partner, Wallace decides to put his love life on hold. It is then that he meets Chantry, an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend Ben. Wallace and Chantry form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship. Still, there is no denying the chemistry between them, leading the pair to wonder, what if the love of your life is actually your best friend?
Overall Score
Limited
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The story centers on a heteronormative romantic tension between the leads. While diverse sexual orientations appear as peripheral background texture, they lack central agency or identity exploration.
Gender Representation
The film provides a nuanced look at male emotional vulnerability. By exploring themes of rejection and uncertainty, it slightly disrupts traditional archetypes of stoic masculinity.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The cast is predominantly white and middle-class, reflecting a homogeneous urban environment. There is a notable absence of diverse ethnic perspectives within the primary character arcs.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The narrative operates within a standard Western framework of social etiquette. It prioritizes the stability of interpersonal bonds rather than critiquing religion or traditional family structures.
Disability Representation
There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that impact the narrative arc.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
What If is a conventional romantic comedy that prioritizes interpersonal intimacy over systemic or identity-based exploration. The film functions as a standard genre piece rather than a vehicle for progressive social commentary. While the film offers some emotional depth regarding gendered vulnerability, it remains rooted in a homogeneous social context. The narrative lacks the intentionality required to disrupt traditional hierarchies or provide significant intersectional representation.

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