The vast majority of comedic films dealing with women’s sexuality, hell the vast majority of romantic comedies have a penchant for disregarding female autonomy. Whether that be via The Nice Guy trope (where a woman is shown to not know what she wants until a guy harasses her into going out with him) or by straight-up slut-shaming side characters for their sexuality. The vast majority of mainstream romantic comedies have a thinly veiled layer of sexism. The idea that a woman doesn’t know what she wants until she is told or shown it by a man runs rampant in the film industry.

Blockers may begin by mimicking the aforementioned sexist movies but it certainly doesn’t end that way. This movie is a diamond among coals. It may not be any more entertaining than its sexist counterparts but it does not need to undermine a woman’s intelligence in order to tell an entertaining story.

An Honest Depiction Of Teenage Values

I think my favourite thing about this movie was the fact that for once, the teenagers were actual human beings. Sure, it was completely unrealistic that a bunch of teenagers could afford to pay for the priciest rooms in a fancy hotel but in all other aspects, they were human. The girls had a genuine friendship not undermined by their playfulness and willingness to be unapologetically teenagers. The guys they were with had genuine respect for boundaries and consent. And for once, the movie did not play into unrealistic stereotypes.

(Mean Girls was fun but does every movie need to play into the trope that teenage girls are vicious piranhas that will destroy your life and your self-esteem)?

While they initially gave in to societal expectations for teenagers (losing their virginity for the sake of no longer being virgins, being pushed into uncomfortable situations due to either peer pressure or a need to belong etc), at the end of the day, their biggest priority was their own and their friends’ comfort. While they may have initially assumed a heteronormative lens, they were quick to welcome a deviation from that.

They were all wonderfully human.

Intrusive And Regressive Parenting Depicted As Comedy

Two out of three of the parents started off as the embodiment of toxic and regressive values surrounding women’s’ sexuality. They were caricatures rather than actual humans. They represented the ideal family values. And the one parent that didn’t subscribe to these traditional family values was outcasted and depicted as a threat to the family unit (cheater and deadbeat dad).

So, after the movie framing the one parent that is not treating his daughter as an innocent, virginal creature to be protected as someone to ostracise and avoid being at all costs, why do I still believe this movie is progressive?

Because despite the movie’s initial framing, there is an abundance of clues that the movie itself does not agree with the helicopter (and somewhat toxic) parenting of Mitchell and Lisa. (Hell, Marcie goes on a rant about women’s’ sexuality and autonomy, there is no way to make this clearer). Near the end of the film, the framing shifts completely. And although two out of three of the girls don’t actually have sex, it is ultimately their choice. While the parents’ antics had a comedic effect, by leaving the final choice up to the girls themselves, they are given the authority to know what is right for them. Even without their parents having any influence on their decision, they still managed to make the right choice for themselves.

Kayla, Julie and Sam are capable of thinking things through. They are capable of carrying out healthy, safe sexual relationships and experiences. Kayla realises she doesn’t actually want to have sex but does want to do other things and is capable of doing it in a safe manner. Julie has sex with a guy she genuinely likes and it is a wonderful, safe experience. Sam realises her sexuality and doesn’t force herself to go through with a sexual experience she does not truly desire. Their parents do not need to supervise them or teach them anything at this point. On the contrary, they are teaching their parents.

My Thoughts On Parenting

While it is true that it is a parent’s responsibility to teach and nurture, there is a point in time when they have to let go. It is unhealthy of a parent to always make decisions for their offsprings. While a toddler may require help putting on their clothes, it would be ridiculous to try the same thing with a preteen. Over supervisation and helicopter parenting does not allow growth of anything other than resentment. A child can never transition into an adult if they are never allowed to make their own choices. Sure, mistakes are made but that’s the beauty of life.

The issue with regressive family values, especially ones surrounding women’s autonomy, is that they ultimately fail. Refusing to accept one’s daughter has grown up and has the tools and ability to make adult decisions will only create a rift between parent and child. Regressive family values say that it is okay for a parent to take over and force their children (especially their daughters) to conform to their views. And the issue with these regressive values is that they often prioritise image over learning and growth. These values say that a woman, so long as she is under the care of her parent, is under the complete authority of said parent. And these values are often ideas passed down over the generations that have been accepted as right without being fully analysed by the individual upholding them.

Why Does It Matter How Progressive The Movie Is? It’s Just A Movie!

Here’s the thing about movies. They have an influence. If the vast majority of movies portrayed something in a specific way, even if it defies reality, it may be accepted as truth. Progressive movies encourage progressive values. If movies of a specific genre consistently express regressive values, then the consumers of that genre may more easily accept these regressive values in real life. For example, avid watchers of romantic comedies will often overlook the toxicity that is often present in those relationships. If every movie depicts a man threatening self-harm if a woman does not go out with him in a romantic light, that becomes accepted as romantic.

In the same way that movies have an influence, they are also reflections of the society that produces them. Movies that consistently undermine women’s autonomy don’t just express regressive values, they also reflect the regressive nature of society.

Movies are made by people and even when they are unrealistic, they are never truly separate from the society that produces them.