Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other. Emboldened by her success, she decides to give hopelessly klutzy new student Tai a makeover. When Tai becomes more popular than she is, Cher realizes that her disapproving ex-stepbrother was right about how misguided she was -- and falls for him.
Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other. Emboldened by her success, she decides to give hopelessly klutzy new student Tai a makeover. When Tai becomes more popular than she is, Cher realizes that her disapproving ex-stepbrother was right about how misguided she was -- and falls for him.
The film's core conflict and resolution are centered on individual moral development and personal growth, as Cher learns to value substance and empathy, rather than addressing or advocating for specific political ideologies or systemic changes.
Clueless features visible diversity within its ensemble cast, including Black and gay characters, but these roles are original to the story rather than explicit race or gender swaps of established white characters. The narrative maintains a neutral to positive framing of all identities, without explicitly critiquing traditional white or male roles, focusing instead on social commentary and character development.
Clueless features Christian, a gay character depicted with style, charm, and dignity. His sexuality is a source of comedic misunderstanding for Cher, but the film's humor is directed at her naivete, not at Christian's identity. Ultimately, he is accepted as a friend and shown to be in a happy relationship, contributing to a positive and affirming portrayal.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Clueless is an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel "Emma." The film's main characters retain the same gender as their literary counterparts from the original source material. No established characters undergo a gender change.
Clueless is an adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Emma.' The film's main characters, who correspond to those in the novel, are portrayed by actors of the same implied race as their literary counterparts. No established character from the source material had their race changed for this adaptation.
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