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Strictly Business

Name: Strictly Business
Director: Kevin Hooks
Released: 1991
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

1991

PG-13

Director

Kevin Hooks

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Strictly Business functions as a typical genre piece of its time. While it offers moderate racial representation through its lead character, it largely adheres to conventional romantic and social hierarchies. The film lacks the complexity needed to address multiple layers of identity and systemic issues within institutions. Instead, it relies heavily on traditional formulas regarding gender and social status. Ultimately, the film's themes are driven more by the genre conventions of 1991 than by an intentional effort to challenge social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Strictly Business have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story follows a traditional romantic relationship between Waymon and Natalie, focusing on their heterosexual connection without delving into other sexual orientations or gender identities.

How does Strictly Business portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers around a male protagonist's journey, with Natalie serving mainly as a catalyst for his personal growth rather than having her own independent storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Strictly Business?

Good

The film features a Black protagonist in a corporate real estate setting, providing a meaningful exploration of identity through the lens of navigating professional social hierarchies.

How does Strictly Business represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot examines social class and the tension between corporate ambition and urban lifestyle through comedic lenses, focusing more on surface-level humor than deeper institutional critiques.

Does Strictly Business include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Features a Black protagonist navigating a professional corporate environment.
Explores nuanced themes of social class and urban identity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse LGBTQ+ identities and perspectives on gender identity.
Female characters primarily serve as catalysts for male character development.
Does not address disability or broader multi-layered social critiques.

Official Synopsis

Waymon has a great job in real estate and a promising future, but he's also trapped in a loveless longterm relationship. He meets Natalie, a beautiful club-hopping hipster, and quickly falls in love. Realizing he's just not cool enough to attract her on his own, he seeks the help of his friend Bobby, a free-spirited smooth talker who works in the mail room at Waymon's firm and utilizes the predicament as leverage to advance in the company.

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