The release of a new Netflix movie titled Cuties has ignited a raging public controversy, with many accusing the film of sexualizing its child actors. The streaming giant has faced widespread backlash over the film’s promotional poster, which features 11-year-old children wearing revealing dance apparel while striking sexualized poses such as squatting and kneeling.
Originally titled Mignonnes in French, Cuties is described as a “coming of age” movie. The trailer follows a familiar narrative for this genre, depicting a young girl named Amy who moves to a new area and struggles to fit in. The film explores her conflicts with conservative family members who disapprove of her new friends and interests, ultimately leading her to join a dance group.
Maïmouna Doucouré, the writer and director of Cuties, received a directing award at the renowned 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The movie portrays Amy, an 11-year-old girl seeking refuge from a dysfunctional family by joining a free-spirited dance clique called “Cuties,” where she discovers her self-confidence through dance.
Despite the public outcry, Netflix has not provided any response or comment regarding the nature of the poster advertisements when media outlets reached out for clarification.
As of now, a petition urging Netflix to remove Cuties from its platform has garnered over 660,000 signatures. The petition creator expressed their disgust, stating, “This movie/show is disgusting as it sexualizes an ELEVEN-year-old for the viewing pleasure of pedophiles and also negatively influences our children! There is no need for this kind of content in that age group, especially when sex trafficking and pedophilia are so rampant! There is no excuse; this is dangerous content!”
It is so revealing that the first major @netflix original to centre young Black girls hinges on explicitly sexualising 11 year old children. Whether it’s acting or music, a sexualised image is too often the price of mainstream success for Black women & girls. Disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/18ItsgIZLb
— Claire (@ClaireShrugged) August 20, 2020
It sickens me that Netflix is using its global platform to circumvent child pornoraphy laws by airing #Cuties, a movie about an 11 year old girl twerking her way to stardom! Pubescent girls dancing sensually can only lead to pedophilia and Netflix needs to be strongly censured!
— Irene Armendariz-Jackson (@BorderIrene) August 20, 2020
Netflix has a movie called “Cuties” about 11 year olds in a twerking dance group. Some of the reviews claim it’s a “commentary” on the sexualization of children but this is the poster. And keep in mind that the lead actress is actually 11 years old. In the film and real life. pic.twitter.com/4p2exeSvXw
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) August 20, 2020
The plot looks…fine, based on the trailer, but why in the heck would Netflix pose the girls like THIS for the poster? https://t.co/aTEr4vnrk8
— Christine Rousselle (@crousselle) August 19, 2020
The controversial Netflix poster and movie have sparked intense discussions on Twitter, where countless individuals have voiced their deep disgust towards the promotional material. Many have pointed out that the French version of the poster showcases the cast happily strolling along a street, swinging shopping bags, and wearing non-revealing clothing.
If you would like to support the petition, please click the link: HERE.
