Though Moyer does not focus on the darkest details of the incel subculture, the interview subjects incidentally make jokes about Elliot Rodger, the 2014 mass shooter at UC Santa Barbara, and Alek Minassian, perpetrator of the 2018 Toronto van attack.
[9] Writing for the socialist magazine Jacobin, Josh Gabert-Doyon describes the "depiction of the film's subjects [as] tender and compassionate, a compelling look at alienated men trying, and ultimately succeeding, to overcome the resentment and aimlessness of inceldom".
Gabert-Doyon says the film not only discusses their individual situations, but also succeeds in placing the interview subjects within the socioeconomic and cultural landscape of the United States, providing a "much richer portrait" than might otherwise be possible.
Dickson states, "The nebulous distinction between word and action, between earnest hatred of women and minorities and play-acting for the lulz, is not one that TFW No GF is particularly interested in exploring.
[10] In his review for Variety, Peter Debruge wrote, "At times, the film feels like a sloppy PowerPoint presentation, intercutting juddery-looking drone shots and Dramamine-demanding vérité footage with a barrage of screenshots and humor videos so quickly, it would make Max Headroom's head spin.