u003cp>Can a film about a children’s dance crew be that bad? According to its fans, Cuties is causing a lot of controversy… and it will no longer be available on Netflix after this weekend.
Typically, Netflix features controversial films that revolve around deranged murderers, strained family relationships, or are deemed too graphic to be released upon initial debut. However, what happens when innocent children are the source of the chaos?
Ever since its release in 2020, Cuties has been at the center of ongoing online controversy. The film tells the story of a young girl who becomes torn between her traditional upbringing and her passion for dance after joining a dance group.
Despite appearing harmless, the French film faced accusations of hypersexualizing young girls when it was revealed that their preferred dance move was twerking.
Additionally, the movie’s promotional artwork received criticism as fans took to the internet to express that they couldn’t endorse a film that depicted children in such a manner.
I am supportive of the arts. I want the stars of @netflix #cuties to reach for every star in the sky. 🌟 That being said, I can not support allowing children to be portrayed in a way that is overly sexualized. pic.twitter.com/QsrqSxSwXw
— Eliza (@elizableu) August 20, 2020
One fan expressed their disagreement, stating, “I can’t believe Netflix approved this.”Another fan chimed in, “It’s completely inappropriate. Those girls don’t look older than 10.”
A third commenter weighed in, questioning whether the act of sexualizing oneself is truly a way of exploring femininity. This raises important points about society’s perception of femininity.
“According to a fourth person, this is one of the most repulsive things they have ever witnessed in their life.”
Shortly after its release, the artwork was removed and Netflix issued an apology.
In a statement to Variety, a Netflix spokesperson expressed regret for the artwork used for the film ‘Mignonnes’/’Cuties’, stating that it was inappropriate and did not accurately reflect the French film’s content, which debuted at Sundance. The pictures and description have since been updated.
Maïmouna Doucouré, the director of Cuties, drew on her own personal experiences to create the film.
During an interview with Cineuropa, she recounted a moment when she observed a group of young girls, approximately 11 years old, performing a sensual dance on stage at a neighborhood party. The sight shocked her and she questioned whether the girls were aware of the sexual connotations their revealing clothing and movements conveyed.
“I have frequently pondered my femininity and the experience of navigating between two cultures: my Senegalese heritage from my parents and my Western upbringing. However, it was not until the year 2020 that I truly felt the need to explore these topics among today’s youth.”
To witness the source of the ongoing controversy, make sure to watch Cuties on the streaming platform before it departs on September 8.
In addition to new movies streaming this month, you can stay updated on Netflix’s releases for Season 6 of Virgin River, Season 5 of Stranger Things, and Season 3 of Heartstopper.
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