6.5
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Boys on the Side (1995)
Boys on the Side (1995)
Overview
Boys on the Side follows three women, a lesbian singer, a woman with AIDS, and a friend fleeing domestic abuse, who form an unlikely chosen family during a cross-country road trip. The 1995 drama leans progressive for a cluster of interconnected reasons. Its central argument is that bonds formed by circumstance and mutual need can be as legitimate and sustaining as any conventional family structure. The film treats its lesbian lead with straightforward dignity rather than as a curiosity, which was still a meaningful choice for a mainstream studio release in this era. Female solidarity functions here not as a backdrop but as the entire architecture of the story.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Family Values: Strongly Progressive
Viewer Rating
6.5
Overview
Boys on the Side follows three women, a lesbian singer, a woman with AIDS, and a friend fleeing domestic abuse, who form an unlikely chosen family during a cross-country road trip. The 1995 drama leans progressive for a cluster of interconnected reasons. Its central argument is that bonds formed by circumstance and mutual need can be as legitimate and sustaining as any conventional family structure. The film treats its lesbian lead with straightforward dignity rather than as a curiosity, which was still a meaningful choice for a mainstream studio release in this era. Female solidarity functions here not as a backdrop but as the entire architecture of the story.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The film champions female solidarity and the formation of a chosen family as a powerful solution to societal isolation and personal crises, including domestic abuse and illness. Its narrative strongly aligns with progressive values by celebrating unconventional bonds and advocating for women's independence and mutual support.
The film features a visibly diverse main cast, including a prominent Black actress in a leading role. Its narrative centers on the journey and friendship of three women, exploring themes of chosen family and overcoming personal challenges. The story does not explicitly critique traditional identities, nor does it make a strong, explicit DEI critique central to its themes.
Secondary
Boys on the Side features Jane DeLuca, an openly lesbian character depicted with dignity and complexity. Her sexuality is a natural and respected aspect of her identity, integrated seamlessly into the narrative. The film portrays her as an independent and strong individual, contributing to the diverse dynamic of the central female friendships. The overall depiction is affirming, presenting her identity without sensationalism or negative stereotypes.
The film celebrates a chosen family formed by three women, highlighting their mutual support and love as they navigate life and motherhood outside of traditional family structures. It normalizes alternative partnerships and family arrangements.
The film 'Boys on the Side' does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. The narrative centers on the evolving friendship and individual challenges faced by three cisgender women during a road trip, exploring themes of love, illness, and self-discovery.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film features original characters created for its story. There are no instances where a character, previously established as one gender in source material or history, is portrayed as a different gender.
The film "Boys on the Side" is an original story, not an adaptation of existing source material or a historical biopic. Its characters were created for this specific production, meaning there are no pre-established racial identities from prior canon or history to be altered.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
6.5
6.4
Critic Ratings
7.3
6.0
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