Is Flora & Ulysses woke?
Movie · Released February 19, 2021
Flora & Ulysses has a wokeness score of 2/10, which we rate as Not Woke. No political or woke messaging whatsoever. Focuses entirely on story, characters, fun, or escapism.
Key points
- Focuses on family healing, hope, and creativity with no political messaging.
- Diverse casting feels organic to suburban story, not agenda-driven.
- Emphasizes universal themes like courage and friendship over ideology.
Wokeness analysis
Flora & Ulysses (2021) is a straightforward family adventure film adapted from Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal-winning children's novel. The core narrative centers on a cynical young girl who rescues a squirrel that gains superhero-like abilities, leading to humorous escapades that help mend her family after her parents' separation. Themes revolve around hope, creativity through comics and poetry, courage, friendship, and family reconciliation—universal elements presented organically without political framing. The cast features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, including Anna Deavere Smith in a supporting role as a wise neighbor and Danny Pudi as the animal control officer, but these choices align with natural storytelling in a contemporary suburban setting rather than serving any ideological agenda. Reviews from sources like Common Sense Media and Plugged In note the film's retro feel, emphasis on positive messages like perseverance and independence, and lack of concern with contemporary political correctness. No heavy-handed social commentary, identity politics, or forced representation appears; diversity elements remain incidental and integrated without drawing attention. The story prioritizes whimsical fun, character growth, and lighthearted escapism over any progressive messaging.
Plot
Flora Belle Buckman is a cynical 10-year-old girl obsessed with superhero comics whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel sucked into a neighbor's powerful vacuum cleaner, she names him Ulysses and discovers he possesses extraordinary powers including flight, typing poetry, and super strength. Together with her father, a new friend William, and supportive neighbors, Flora protects Ulysses from an overzealous animal control officer while embarking on a series of comedic adventures that ultimately restore hope and bring her family closer together. The film blends live-action with CGI effects for a whimsical, heartwarming tale aimed at families.
Analyzed by AI on October 12, 2026