Cuties and Controversy

Context:
The film was initially shown in France in early 2020 and was featured at the Sundance Film Festival where all seemed well until Netflix bought the worldwide streaming rights and made a questionable poster. As a result, the internet got very angry for a while, accusing it of sexualising young girls. You know the drill, the BBFC gave it a 15.

Controversy:
People got mad and tried to cancel the film, then Netflix, then the director.

There is a lasting debate between those who are certain the film is sexualising minors and those who are equally certain it's just a case of poor marketing choices.

Brought about by Netflix’s poster, controversy was stirred by the film’s seeming blatant sexualisation of young girls.

Many were outraged that what they saw as borderline child pornography was being hosted on and promoted by one of the world’s biggest streaming services. Many hadn’t actually seen the film before judging based purely on the marketing.

Many who have seen the film argue that it is very much not endorsing this, but focuses on a completely different unconnected narrative. Rather, it was a case of poor marketing choices by Netflix, as highlighted by the film not stirring any controversy at Sundance with its own independent marketing before Netflix bought the streaming rights.

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