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What If

Name: What If
Director: Michael Dowse
Released: 2013
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

2013

PG-13

Director

Michael Dowse

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

What If is a traditional romantic comedy that emphasizes personal relationships over broader social issues. While it offers some depth in exploring male emotional vulnerability, it remains within a homogeneous social context. The film does not significantly challenge traditional norms or provide characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does What If have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on a romantic relationship that assumes both leads are straight. Diverse sexual orientations are shown in the background but are not explored deeply or given central roles.

How does What If portray gender?

Fair

The film explores male emotional vulnerability, challenging the traditional stereotype of stoic masculinity. However, it still maintains some elements of conventional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What If?

Limited

The cast is mostly white and middle-class, depicting a homogeneous urban environment. There is a lack of diverse ethnic perspectives among the main characters.

How does What If represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows a typical Western social framework, emphasizing stable interpersonal relationships. It does not critique religious or traditional family structures.

Does What If include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant portrayals of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that affect the storyline.

Present on Screen

The film offers a nuanced look at male emotional vulnerability.
It disrupts traditional stereotypes of stoic masculinity through meaningful character development.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks prominent LGBTQ+ representation and exploration of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
The predominantly white, middle-class cast reinforces traditional Western norms without diversification.
The narrative fails to incorporate diverse ethnic perspectives into the main character arcs.

Official Synopsis

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?

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