Is The Only Living Boy in New York woke?
Movie · Released August 11, 2017
The Only Living Boy in New York 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
- Pure focus on personal drama, infidelity, and family secrets with no ideological overlay.
- Natural inclusion of diverse cast member in organic supporting role without messaging.
- Nostalgic coming-of-age story emphasizing escapism and character growth over social commentary.
Wokeness analysis
The Only Living Boy in New York is a straightforward coming-of-age drama centered on personal relationships, family secrets, infidelity, and self-discovery in a nostalgic portrayal of New York City. The plot revolves around Thomas Webb's aimless post-college life, his unrequited crush on friend Mimi, his father's affair with Johanna, and a major twist revealing his true parentage, with guidance from mentor W.F. Themes focus on love, betrayal, artistic ambition, and generational conflict without any progressive social or political messaging, identity politics, or commentary on marginalized groups. The film draws from classic literary influences like The Graduate and Woody Allen-style Manhattan tales but offers pure escapism through character-driven storytelling, romantic entanglements, and urban nostalgia. Casting includes a diverse actress in Kiersey Clemons as Mimi in a natural, non-intrusive role that does not serve any ideological agenda. No elements of indoctrination, forced diversity, or social lecturing appear; the narrative prioritizes entertainment, plot twists, and emotional arcs over any contemporary political themes. Reviews consistently describe it as a glib, derivative romantic trifle or literary pastiche without referencing activism or wokeness.
Plot
Thomas Webb, a recent college dropout and aspiring writer, moves to New York's Lower East Side to escape his wealthy Upper West Side parents. He develops a friendship with his eccentric neighbor W.F., an alcoholic writer who offers life advice. Thomas discovers his father Ethan is having an affair with the alluring editor Johanna and begins stalking her, only to start his own affair with her. This leads to confrontations and revelations about his family, including the twist that W.F. is his biological father due to his mother's infertility issues with Ethan. Thomas navigates his feelings for both Johanna and his friend Mimi while grappling with identity, ambition, and his parents' complicated past. The story culminates in acceptance and personal growth amid New York's literary and romantic backdrop.
Analyzed by AI on October 17, 2026