Title: The Perfect Date
Released: April 12, 2019
Produced by: Chris Nelson
Access on: Netflix
Netflix Summary: To earn money for college, a high schooler launches an app offering his services as a fake date. But when real feelings emerge, things get complicated.
Goffmanian Analysis/Sex Role Theory: This film is told from the point of view of a male teenager named Brooks. However, because of its popularity as a rom-com it has been influential to teenage girls. Brooks is a tall, good looking, fit teenage boy. Because of his large size compared to all female characters, but most importantly Celia and Shelby, this film is an example of relative size. Brooks is meant to appear much larger when he is dancing or kissing either of the girls. We also see examples of licensed withdrawal. For instance, when Brooks first sees Shelby she is standing off looking away while taking a selfie. This action invites Brooks in to look at her. However, the film actually resists the stereotype of women being subordinate or as the head of a family. First, Brooks father is a single dad and has taken over the role of mother. In addition, Brooks is inferior in status to both Shelby and Celia whose parents have more money. Both female characters have aspirations of going to college and having a career. Shelby plans on opening her own business as a hedge-fund manager which contradicts the often domestic framing of women. Although there are some stereotypical aspects of gender in this movie, it does utilize some progessive thinking when it comes to the female characters.
Effects: This film does a good job of introducing smart, strong female characters who have career aspirations. However, the film centrally focuses on love. Brooks is immediately interested in Shelby when they first meet, mostly for her looks. This becomes the main focus of his activities. In addition, Celia has a living interest and asks for Brooks’ help. The two are so concerned about finding someone to be with. In the end, Celia and Brooks realize their feelings for each other and begin dating. This framing continues the idea that women cannot be happy until they find a man to complete their happiness which is dangerous. However, it also created more character development for the females who did have more interests than boys.
Shared by: Olivia Smidel
Image Credit: https://thecentraltrend.com/63092/opinion/reviews/movies/the-perfect-date-is-another-vapid-installation-into-the-tired-rom-com-genre/