Is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets woke?
Movie · Released July 21, 2017 · Original title: Valérian et la Cité des Mille Planètes
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets has a wokeness score of 5/10, which we rate as 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 points
- Promotes multiculturalism via Alpha's diverse alien-human coexistence as an ideal society.
- Critiques human imperialism through genocide cover-up of peaceful alien species by male military leaders.
- Features empowered female lead Laureline delivering social commentary on love and justice.
Wokeness analysis
The film centers on a vast multicultural space station called Alpha where thousands of alien species coexist peacefully, exchanging knowledge and culture, reflecting director Luc Besson's stated intent to portray diversity positively as a mirror to modern multicultural societies. The core conflict involves uncovering a human military cover-up of genocide against the peaceful, primitive Pearls on planet Mül, framing humans—particularly a white male commander—as imperialist aggressors who destroy an idyllic alien paradise for strategic reasons. Laureline serves as a strong, assertive female lead who challenges her male partner and delivers messages about love and accountability. These elements introduce intentional social commentary on imperialism, diversity, and inclusion, integrated into the adventure plot without fully dominating it. While some critiques highlight problematic portrayals of aliens with exoticized or stereotypical traits, the narrative prioritizes entertainment through action and world-building over heavy-handed lectures, though the anti-human authority messaging feels purposeful.
Plot
In the 28th century, special operatives Valerian and Laureline of the United Human Federation investigate a mysterious threat in Alpha, a sprawling space metropolis housing millions from thousands of alien species. Their mission uncovers a dark conspiracy involving the destruction of the peaceful planet Mül and its inhabitants, the Pearls, by human forces years earlier. As they navigate vibrant alien markets, shape-shifting performers, and political intrigue, the duo must confront betrayal at the highest levels to prevent catastrophe and restore balance.
Analyzed by AI on October 29, 2026