Is Star Trek Beyond woke?
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Movie
Released: January 1, 2016
Wokeness Score
5/10
Socially Conscious
Clear woke themes are present and intentional, but feel balanced and organic to the story. The message supports the plot and characters rather than dominating them.
Key Summary Points
- Sulu portrayed as gay with family in subtle, story-integrated scene honoring original actor.
- Diverse ensemble cast and strong female roles emphasize natural inclusion and teamwork.
- Anti-xenophobia themes and Federation unity support adventure without dominating narrative.
Wokeness Analysis
Star Trek Beyond maintains the franchise's longstanding emphasis on diversity and inclusion through its multiracial crew and themes of unity against xenophobia, which align with original series principles rather than modern ideological overreach. The villain Krall embodies anti-Federation resentment rooted in past conflicts, critiquing imperialism in a way that supports the adventure plot without dominating it. A notable element is the reveal of Sulu as gay with a family, presented subtly during a personal moment to honor the original actor George Takei, integrated organically into the story of long missions and personal sacrifices. Female characters like Uhura and the new alien Jaylah demonstrate competence and agency in action sequences, reinforcing teamwork without explicit lectures on gender or identity. The film celebrates Federation ideals of cooperation and exploration in a balanced manner, with diversity feeling natural to the ensemble cast and sci-fi setting. While some reviewers note intentional nods to progressive values like rejecting bigotry, these elements enhance rather than overshadow the high-stakes action, character development, and escapist fun. It avoids heavy-handed messaging or shoehorning, keeping focus on plot and entertainment.
Plot
Three years into their five-year mission, the USS Enterprise crew stops at the massive Starbase Yorktown for resupply. Captain Kirk contemplates a promotion while the ship is attacked by a swarm of alien drones led by the vengeful Krall. The Enterprise is destroyed, stranding the crew on a hostile planet where they must evade capture, repair an old ship, and confront Krall's plan to use an ancient weapon against the Federation. With help from the resourceful alien survivor Jaylah, the crew bands together using ingenuity, alliances, and classic Star Trek optimism to overcome the threat and reaffirm their bonds.