Cats is failing due to three things: racism, sexism, homophobia. God it feels so good to finally say that and get it off my chest. Y’all just don’t like it because it’s finally a musical headed by women, PoC, and LGBTQ+ people. Y’all were all about The Greatest Showman because it was led by your white savior Hugh Jackman (portraying an extremely problematic character in the form of PT Barnum, an extreme racist and horrible individual). Y’all ate that shit up but when a musical like Cats comes out y’all shit on it.

Francesca Heyward, Jason Derulo, Jennifer Hudson, Isris Elba are all iconic PoC who serve as role models for young colored people everywhere. They’re all some of the best parts of this movie and give gripping performances. Hudson’s rendition of Memory is one of the most powerful musical numbers yet put onto film. Elba’s characterization of McCaverty is exceptional and nuanced. Y’all won’t even acknowledge any of this. Y’all won’t even acknowledge the fact that Cats might be the most diverse musical Hollywood has ever pumped out.

Also this is a musical that shows men performing non-masculine roles and doing non-stereotypical artistic expression such as dance and ballet. Y’all don’t like seeing men do dance? Why does that bother you so much? The strict adherence to gender roles is one thing that audiences wish this movie would have conveyed but don’t explicitly say.

In conclusion, Cats is an underrated movie that has many decent aspects but the racist patriarchal society is too busy ripping it apart to appreciate its merits. Check your privilege at the door before you see this film and you just might enjoy it and learn something new.