A scene from '365 Days'. Picture: Netflix
A new erotic thriller on Netflix is currently one of the most popular movies worldwide on the streaming service but is the subject of growing criticism.
Based on the bestselling Polish book series by Blanka Lipinska, 365 Days follows the story of Massimo Torricelli, a handsome Sicilian mafia boss who kidnaps beautiful sales director Lara Biel and gives her one year to fall in love with him.
Starring: Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Michele Morrone, Bronisław Wrocławski
The movie is packed with graphic sex scenes, and while some may find the production hot and steamy, critics have accused it of glamorising the brutal reality of gangsterism, human trafficking, kidnapping and rape.
Welsh singer Duffy – who was drugged, raped and held captive a decade ago – even penned a scathing letter to Netflix’s CEO saying it was “irresponsible” to stream the controversial film.
“This should not be anyone’s idea of entertainment, nor should it be described as such, or be commercialised in this manner.
“I just can’t imagine how Netflix could overlook how careless, insensitive and dangerous this is,” she wrote.
The film, which has been likened to Fifty Shades of Grey, currently holds a 0% critic’s rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
There is also an online petition currently circulating that calls for the removal of 365 Days from Netflix based on the claim that it glorifies Stockholm syndrome and sexual assault against women. As of publication, the petition has been signed by over 68,000 people.
On the other hand, some viewers have admitted that the twisted romance movie is their guilty pleasure because they enjoy the explicit scenes.
Netflix has responded to all the backlash, saying it will continue streaming the movie on its service. The spokesperson also pointed out that the company was not involved in the production and only licenced the film.
“We believe strongly in giving our members around the world more choice and control over their Netflix viewing experience.
“Members can choose what they do and do not want to watch by setting maturity filters at a profile level and removing specific titles to protect from content they feel is too mature.”
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