I've always been fascinated by controversial art. I think it's because I've found it intriguing to witness what constitutes as "controversial" throughout history; how the definitions have differed/evolved over the years; and just how wrong people often are when it comes to the genuine message and intent behind such works.
The latest such hoopla has centered around the French film "Cuties," which was released on Netflix over the past month. The film's release prompted a nationwide cyber-protest/boycott of the film-streaming giant, which resulted in roughly 8 times the number of cancelled accounts as was typical. So, how did the controversy come to be?
Honestly, not until Netflix grabbed hold of it. "Cuties" was praised by critics upon its international release, so much so that it resulted in an award at Sundance. When Netflix picked it up, however, they decided to release an unseemly poster of the 11-year-old girls, at the center of the film, dressed in scantily-clad attire as promotional material. This is when all hell broke loose. Trending on Twitter were the hashtags #BoycottNetflix, #CancelNetflix, and #CutiesKidsPorn, just to name a few. Those who started the hashtags claimed the film was child porn; would excite pedophiles; and if you enjoyed or even so much as watched it, you should be registered as a sex offender. It even reached the point where the award-winning director of the film received death threats.
Upon seeing this uproar, I became immediately curious, as well as skeptical. Based on my research, my intuitions were correct, as it felt like the original posters weren't even in the same hemisphere on the film's message as the creators intended. But, as said posters obviously didn't do, I decided to give in and watch the film for myself, in order to form my own opinion.
First off, the rumors and hashtags aren't true. This isn't porn; it isn't intended to excite pedophiles; and people who watch it shouldn't be forced to knock on neighbors' doors and announce that they're sex offenders. The film revolves around an 11-year-old girl, who's being brought up in a strict Muslim household; has a father who's never around and about to marry his second wife (yes, at the same time); and is going through the changes of young adulthood for women in the modern age. She appears to be questioning authority; pushing back against cultural and societal norms and traditions; and simply attempting to find herself. Sure, there are scenes where the young lady starts bleeding through her pants; scenes where she and other similarly-aged girls are twerking; and even a scene where it appears as though she removes her pants and takes a picture of her private area with someone else's phone. Is some of this uncomfortable to watch? Yes, quite, but guess what? As I think we can all remember, young adulthood is uncomfortable. That's kind of the point, and I'm just speaking from a guy's perspective. I can only imagine how crazy that time of life is for girls. I take that back; I can't even imagine it. Also, you have to take into consideration the advancement of technology in this day and age. Not only are kids going through all the typical changes in their preteen/teenage years, they now have to contend with the societal obsession of cell phones, social media, likes, YouTube, going viral, etc. It's resulted in parents feeling progressively less empowered and kids feeling increasingly more pressured.
That brings us to what I feel is the central point of the film - kids (especially girls) are growing up way too fast. Through choices of clothing; trends in dancing; and being afforded greater opportunity to get noticed across the world, like it or not, girls have fallen victim to being increasingly sexualized the world over. Again, like the film depicts, yes, it's uncomfortable to see, but it's supposed to make us uncomfortable. That's the point. The film's creators aren't saying, "Look at these little girls wearing next to nothing. This is great;" they're holding up a mirror to society and saying, "This is what we've become. It's time to make some changes."
The most telling, and frankly powerful, segment of the film comes at the very end. The young girl's mother is getting dressed up for her husband's wedding, but telling her daughter she doesn't have to do so. The young girl then goes on to participate in a dance competition, where she's wearing scantily-clad clothing and twerking, before she stops, begins to cry, and runs home to hug her mother. This segues to her placing on a less revealing outfit; going outside; and smiling as she jumps rope with other kids.
This is what the director is aiming for, I think - the message that too much pressure is placed on females throughout their lives to be the grown ups in the room (regardless of age), and we must allow kids to be kids again, so they can enjoy their childhoods, and not have to be burdened by all the trials and tribulations of adulthood too quickly.
So, there you have it - the most controversial film of the year is one which basically holds a mirror up to society and advises us to alter our ways so that kids can be kids again. Never have I been so offended and outraged before! :: holds up my sarcasm sign ::
Grade: 4/5 - Topical, genuine, and powerful. See it before judging it.
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