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San Andreas
Movie

San Andreas

2015 • Unknown

Woke Score
2
out of 10

Plot

In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey across the state in order to rescue his estranged daughter.

Overall Series Review

San Andreas is a disaster film centered on the extraordinary efforts of a fire rescue pilot, Ray Gaines, to save his estranged wife and daughter following a massive California earthquake. The narrative is a straightforward, action-focused story of a family reunion forged in chaos. The plot emphasizes themes of personal responsibility, courage, and the protective role of the father and first responder. The story works to restore the nuclear family unit, which is fractured by divorce at the start of the film. While the film is racially diverse, with a biracial male lead, the casting focuses on merit and role competence, not political commentary. The main antagonist is a selfish, rich architect whose cowardice is contrasted with the hero’s bravery. A few elements of modern gender dynamics appear in the daughter's character, who is highly competent and takes a leadership role, but this does not override the fundamental, protective masculine role of the protagonist. The overall message celebrates American resilience, the value of life, and the sanctity of family.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics3/10

The film does not rely on intersectional hierarchy or political lecturing on race. The lead hero, Ray Gaines, is a highly competent, self-sacrificing rescue pilot who is non-white. The secondary villain is Daniel Riddick, a wealthy white male who is explicitly depicted as a cowardly, selfish opportunist who abandons the daughter. The casting includes a mix of races in the roles of scientists, reporters, and side characters, but the narrative judges characters by their actions under pressure.

Oikophobia2/10

There is no hostility toward Western civilization. The film is a pure disaster spectacle focusing on the destruction of California, but the response is a celebration of American institutions and resilience. Ray, the main hero, is a loyal public servant who goes above and beyond his duty. The film ends with a call to rebuild and features the American flag prominently, representing hope and national cohesion.

Feminism4/10

Gender dynamics lean slightly toward modern tropes. The daughter, Blake, is portrayed as a 'super-competent' figure who is knowledgeable in first aid and navigation, often taking a leadership role and giving directions to the two young men she is with. However, the core plot centers on the male protagonist and his estranged wife fighting to restore their marriage and protect their family, ultimately celebrating the traditional nuclear family unit. Masculinity is protective, embodied by Ray's heroism.

LGBTQ+1/10

The story adheres to a normative structure. The central emotional arc involves the reunion and reaffirmation of the heterosexual nuclear family after the impending divorce. Sexuality is a non-issue in the crisis, with the only romantic elements being the formation of a heterosexual couple between the daughter and her rescuer, Ben, and the reconciliation of the married parents.

Anti-Theism1/10

The film maintains spiritual neutrality. There is no active hostility directed toward religion, nor is there a central embrace of moral relativism. The narrative focuses on objective moral truths like self-sacrifice, duty, and responsibility in the face of a natural disaster. Characters are driven by a higher moral law to save and protect others, particularly family.