Is What Women Want woke?
Movie · 2000
What Women Want has a wokeness score of 3/10, which we rate as Light Social Awareness. Some light diversity or inclusion elements that feel natural and organic. Woke themes are subtle, non-intrusive, and fully integrated into the story without drawing attention to themselves.
Key points
- Chauvinist protagonist learns empathy via mind-reading, framing sexism as personal flaw overcome through relationships.
- Female boss and consumer focus reflect workplace competition without broader systemic gender critiques.
- Story emphasizes individual growth and romance over ideological lectures on patriarchy or equality.
Wokeness analysis
What Women Want (2000) centers on a chauvinistic ad executive who gains the ability to hear women's thoughts after an accident, using it initially for personal and professional gain before learning empathy and genuine connection. The story unfolds as a romantic comedy with fantasy elements, focusing on character growth, workplace competition, and relationships without injecting heavy political messaging. Released in 2000, it reflects era-typical gender dynamics through a male protagonist's perspective, portraying overt sexism as flawed behavior that the character must overcome for better outcomes. Light inclusion appears via a female boss character challenging the male lead in a corporate setting, and product testing scenes that nod to women as consumers, but these integrate organically into the plot rather than dominating or lecturing. Critiques from various sources note gender stereotypes and essentialism, yet the film prioritizes entertainment, humor, and personal redemption over ideological advocacy. It avoids modern progressive tropes like intersectionality or systemic critiques, instead delivering a straightforward tale of self-improvement through listening. Conservative-leaning views often see it as a pre-woke rom-com that mocks toxic masculinity lightly while affirming traditional romantic resolutions. No evidence of forced diversity casting, identity politics, or didactic social commentary; the narrative serves story and laughs primarily. This places it in mild modern sensibilities, with subtle elements feeling natural to the 2000 context.
Plot
Nick Marshall, a cocky Chicago advertising executive known for his chauvinism and success with male-targeted campaigns, expects a promotion but loses it to Darcy Maguire, a sharp new female creative director brought in to appeal to women consumers. After a freak electrical accident while testing women's products, Nick gains the supernatural ability to hear women's inner thoughts. Initially overwhelmed and using the power selfishly to seduce women and undermine Darcy, he gradually realizes its value for genuine understanding. This leads to improved relationships with his teenage daughter, romantic interests, and professional rivals, culminating in personal redemption and romantic fulfillment. The film blends comedy, fantasy, and romance, highlighting miscommunications between men and women through humorous scenarios.
Analyzed by AI on June 2, 2026