Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, racism, and mature themes in pageant docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Queen's Runway
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A QUEEN'S RUNWAY is a behind-the-scenes look at the Miss Universe Philippines competition. Interviews give sympathetic looks at the contestants who express dreams of winning for a variety of reasons, including serving as role models for looks and behavior, as well as finding a launch pad channel for contributing to the greater social good. The most touching moments come when the women have time to bond and show friendship and support to one another.
Is It Any Good?
This is a solid look into the world of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. Sometimes A Queen's Runway feels a bit too much like an advertisement for the pageant rather than an informative look at its workings and the women who sacrifice their time, sleep, and lives to the pursuit of strict physical beauty standards. Straight hair, light skin, toned abs, long legs, exaggerated posture, sultry moves, performative hyper-sexualization, heavy makeup, and false eyelashes seem more important than character at times, although lip service is given to the importance of character.
Young people watching may notice that insights into what it means to be beautiful inside are mentioned but not emphasized. The message to young people may seem to be how important it is to find empowerment from the approval of judges and authorities. Even so, the movie features many earnest and likable women who look like role models for the rest of us not because they look good and walk nicely but because they are thoughtful and nice. This would be just as effective if it were 20 minutes shorter.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the uniformity of the look of the contestants who make it to the nationals. So many of the women have slim figures, long straight hair, and meticulously made-up faces. How do you think such contests affect our perception of acceptable standards of beauty?
Darker-skinned contestants worry about judges' bias against them but note that their presence in the finals gives hope to young girls who may worry their skin is "too dark" to conform to beauty standards. Do you think standards used by judges in the Philippines and the international Miss Universe world may be changing? Have they changed enough?
Some contestants view a win as a way to enlarge their opportunities for a good life. What are some other ways women can look for opportunities to do good and increase their chances for a satisfying life?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 10, 2025
- Directors : Erik Sopracasa , Tom Sys
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 17, 2025
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