Is Their Finest woke?
Their Finest (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
- Female screenwriter's rise in male-dominated propaganda unit highlights natural workplace inclusion.
- Subtle nods to gender pay gaps and female viewpoints integrated into wartime story without preachiness.
- Focus on women's resilience during Blitz supports plot rather than pushing modern ideological agenda.
Wokeness Analysis
Their Finest is a period drama set during the London Blitz of World War II, following a young woman named Catrin Cole who transitions from a secretarial role to writing scripts for British propaganda films at the Ministry of Information. The film highlights her professional growth in a male-dominated workplace, where she is tasked with adding a 'female viewpoint' to the scripts, including realistic dialogue for women and scenes involving everyday resilience. This setup naturally incorporates themes of women's contributions to the war effort and subtle critiques of gender pay disparities, such as her being paid less than male colleagues. However, these elements are woven into the historical context of 1940 Britain rather than serving as modern lectures. The story balances romance, humor, and the challenges of creating morale-boosting cinema with characters facing personal losses and creative compromises. While the protagonist's empowerment arc and focus on female perspectives in media production echo contemporary discussions about inclusion, they feel organic to the era's propaganda needs and do not dominate the plot. No overt diversity casting beyond the period-appropriate ensemble or identity politics appear, keeping the narrative grounded in storytelling about British resilience. The film's light touch on these issues avoids forcing ideology, though some modern viewers may interpret the emphasis on women's roles as progressive commentary. Overall, it prioritizes entertainment and historical insight over heavy social messaging.
Plot
Set in 1940 London amid the Blitz, Their Finest follows Catrin Cole, a married Welsh woman who lands a job writing scripts for Ministry of Information propaganda films after her artist husband fails to contribute to the war effort. Tasked with crafting a morale-boosting story about the Dunkirk evacuation that includes a romantic subplot and authentic female dialogue, Catrin navigates a team of eccentric male writers and directors. As she gains confidence and sparks fly with a colleague, the production faces creative clashes, personal tragedies, and the pressures of delivering uplifting content during dark times. The film blends comedy, romance, and drama to explore the power of storytelling in bolstering national spirit.