4.7
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Drama, Romance • 2011 • 83 min • Teen (13+)
The Art of Getting By (2011)
The Art of Getting By (2011)
Overview
A quiet 2011 coming-of-age drama about George, a cynical New York high schooler coasting on existential apathy until a friendship with a popular girl nudges him toward actual effort. Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts anchor a story that is personal and small-scale, focused on individual growth rather than social critique. The Leans Traditional label reflects what the film is, not what it argues. Its cast and world are conventionally drawn, the romance is straightforwardly heterosexual, and the central message lands squarely on personal responsibility. Contemporary family structures appear in the background, keeping the label from going further right, but nothing here pushes progressive themes. It is a low-stakes adolescent story with a fairly classic moral shape.
Starring Cast
Freddie Highmore • Emma Roberts • Michael Angarano
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Traditional
Political: Center
Diversity: Low
Family Values: Mixed
Viewer Rating
4.7
Overview
A quiet 2011 coming-of-age drama about George, a cynical New York high schooler coasting on existential apathy until a friendship with a popular girl nudges him toward actual effort. Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts anchor a story that is personal and small-scale, focused on individual growth rather than social critique. The Leans Traditional label reflects what the film is, not what it argues. Its cast and world are conventionally drawn, the romance is straightforwardly heterosexual, and the central message lands squarely on personal responsibility. Contemporary family structures appear in the background, keeping the label from going further right, but nothing here pushes progressive themes. It is a low-stakes adolescent story with a fairly classic moral shape.
Starring Cast
Freddie Highmore • Emma Roberts • Michael Angarano
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Traditional
Primary
Political: Center
Confidence: High
The film explores the universal themes of adolescent apathy and the journey of self-discovery, focusing on a protagonist who learns to overcome his cynicism through personal effort and connection. Its narrative centers on individual responsibility and growth, rather than engaging with broader political or societal critiques.
Diversity: Low
Confidence: High
The film features a primarily traditional cast, and its narrative does not critically portray traditional identities or center on explicit DEI themes.
Secondary
Family Values: Mixed
Confidence: Medium
The film portrays various contemporary family structures, including single-parent and blended families, as a backdrop for a coming-of-age story. It neither explicitly endorses nor critiques traditional or progressive family norms.
LGBTQ: N/A
Confidence: High
The Art of Getting By centers on the coming-of-age story of a cynical high school student and his romantic relationship. The film does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes within its narrative. The storyline is centered on heterosexual relationships and the protagonist's personal journey through adolescence.
Trans: N/A
Confidence: High
The Art of Getting By does not feature transsexual characters or themes. The film's story follows a reclusive high school student's journey through adolescence and his developing relationships, with its narrative arcs and character developments not involving transgender identity.
Female Combat: N/R
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Gender Swap: No
Confidence: High
The film features an original story and characters created specifically for this production. There are no pre-existing source materials, historical figures, or legacy characters whose gender could have been altered for the on-screen portrayal.
Race Swap: No
Confidence: High
The Art of Getting By is an original film, not an adaptation of pre-existing material or a historical account. The characters were created for this specific movie, meaning there is no prior established race for them to be swapped from. Therefore, no race swaps are present.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
6.5
6.6
Critic Ratings
2.0
3.6
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