Wikipedia

Cuties

This article is about the film. For the island, see Cuties Island. For other uses, see Cutie (disambiguation).

Cuties (French: Mignonnes) is a 2020 French drama film written and directed by Maïmouna Doucouré in her feature directorial debut. The film's ensemble cast is led by Fathia Youssouf who portrays Amy, a Senegalese-French girl with a traditional Muslim upbringing who is caught between traditional Muslim values and Internet culture when she joins a twerking dance crew.

Cuties
Four young girls running in an empty street, carrying bags from shops; they are smiling and surrounded by confetti.
Theatrical release poster
FrenchMignonnes
Directed byMaïmouna Doucouré
Written byMaïmouna Doucouré
Produced byZangro
Starring
  • Fathia Youssouf
  • Médina El Aidi-Azouni
  • Esther Gohourou
  • Ilanah Cami-Goursolas
  • Maïmouna Gueye
CinematographyYann Maritaud
Edited by
  • Mathilde Van de Moortel
  • Stéphane Mazalaigue
Music byNiko Noki
Production
companies
Distributed byBAC Films
Release dates
  • 23 January 2020 (2020-01-23) (Sundance)
  • 19 August 2020 (2020-08-19) (France)
Running time
96 minutes[1]
CountryFrance
LanguageFrench
Box office$692,459[1]

Doucouré was inspired to write the script upon seeing a suggestive youth talent show one day, as well as from her experience as a Senegalese-French person. She said that it is intended to criticise the hypersexualisation of pre-adolescent girls, and that she logged over 18 months of research on the topic. The script later won an award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Casting took six months, with 700 girls being auditioned for the role of Amy. Principal photography lasted three months, with a psychologist assisting the child actresses throughout.[2]

Cuties premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival on 23 January, where Doucouré won the Directing Award. It was released in France on 19 August 2020 by BAC Films and internationally on 9 September 2020 on Netflix. While critical response to the film was mostly positive, including some award nominations, it became a subject of controversy, starting from Netflix's initial promotional poster that was widely considered inappropriate. Following its release on Netflix, the film polarized audiences, in part due to sexually suggestive scenes involving the child actors.

Plot

Amy, an 11-year-old girl from Senegal, lives with her mother Mariam and two younger brothers, one of them named Ishmael, in an apartment in one of Paris' poorest neighbourhoods. She is angered by her polygynous father, who is preparing to return with a second wife. She is also bored with Islamic culture that her aunt seeks to impose on her. Amy is fascinated by her disobedient neighbour Angelica's pre-teen twerking clique, the Cuties, which is in stark contrast to Mariam's Muslim customs. They do not hesitate to adopt revealing outfits against their older rivals, the Sweety Swags. In the quest for online recognition, Amy decides to incorporate suggestive dance moves into the choreography. After getting pantsed for fighting with Sweety Swags, she steals her cousin’s phone and sends a photo of her vulva online to a social network in an attempt to look mature, backfiring heavily with her being ostracised, also causing a rift between her and the Cuties who kick her out, replaced with former member Yasmine. Her mother also confronts her for committing such indecency. She and her aunt try performing an exorcism on Amy, but it fails.

While her father's wedding day corresponds to the finale at the Parc de la Villette, she is determined to dance with them, and sneaks out of the house. She pushes Yasmine into a canal, so the Cuties have no choice but to allow her to dance with them. The highly suggestive dance routine polarizes audiences. Suddenly thinking about her mother during the routine, Amy bursts into tears and leaves before their performance ends. Upon her return, she runs into her aunt, who blames her for her outfit and recent attitude. Amy's mother intervenes by telling her to leave her daughter alone and then hugs her to reassure her. Amy's aunt implores her mother to not allow her to attend the wedding in order to demonstrate her disapproval. Amy's mother permits her not to go, but states that she herself must go to fulfill her duty as a wife. In the end, Amy abandons both the traditional wedding dress and her provocative dancer's outfit, living a normal youth lifestyle.

Cast

  • Fathia Youssouf as Amy
  • Médina El Aidi-Azouni as Angelica
  • Maïmouna Gueye as Mariam, Amy's mother
  • Esther Gohourou as Coumba, a member of the Cuties
  • Ilanah Cami-Goursolas as Jess, another member of the Cuties
  • Myriam Hamma as Yasmine, another member of the Cuties
  • Mbissine Therese Diop as Amy's aunt
  • Demba Diaw as Ishmael, Amy's brother
  • Mamadou Samaké as Samba

Production

The film was announced by filmmaker Maïmouna Doucouré as her feature debut directorial venture.[3] She rose to prominence with her 2016 short film Maman(s), which was selected and premiered in over two hundred film festivals, and won around sixty awards in several international film festivals.[4]

Doucouré penned the script for Cuties, taking her life experience as a refugee girl into account. The script eventually won Sundance's Global Filmmaking Award in 2017.[5] Doucouré says her inspiration for the film was a talent show in Paris that she happened to see.[6] She says that the contrast of the dancing and the traditional garb of the families in the audience was fascinating.[7] She also based it on her own experience with the contrast of the cultures of France and Senegal.[8]

Doucouré spent nearly 18 months researching studies on how young and pre-teen children are being exposed to adult content and sexualised images on social media in order to showcase the accurate reality in the film.[9] She spoke to many young girls about these issues.[8] She says that the film deals with self-image and social media. "Our girls see that the more a woman is overly sexualised on social media, the more she is successful. Children just imitate what they see, trying to achieve the same result without understanding the meaning. It is dangerous."[10] She says that although watching the film may be difficult, it is important to have a conversation in society about these issues.[8]

Casting for the film took nearly six months. Approximately 650 girls auditioned for the main character Amy; ultimately, 11-year-old Fathia Youssouf was chosen.[11] Principal photography took place in various locations around France over a period of three months.[12] Doucouré said she "created a climate of trust" between the young actors and herself during filming. She stated while working on the film, "I explained to them everything I was doing and the research that I had done before I wrote this story. I was also lucky that these girls' parents were also activists, so we were all on the same side. At their age, they've seen this kind of dance. Any child with a telephone can find these images on social media these days." She also stated that a child psychologist was on staff during filming.[13]

Initial release

Cuties had its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition section of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival on 23 January,[14][15] where Doucouré won the Directing Award,[16] and was one of three French films to be screened at festival.[17][18] Originally set for a theatrical release in France on 1 April 2020, the film was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in France,[19] and was eventually released on 19 August 2020 by BAC Films.[20][21] The film earned US$692,459;[1] in its opening day it earned US$644,309 at 169 theaters.[22]

Netflix release

See also: Criticism of Netflix § Sexualization of children in Cuties

In January 2020, prior to the film's Sundance premiere, Netflix purchased the worldwide rights to the film, excluding France.[23] It was released internationally on Netflix on 9 September 2020.[24] On 15 August 2024, it was announced that Netflix's license to stream the film would soon expire and the film would be removed from the service on 8 September.[25]

Marketing

 
The original Cuties film poster used by Netflix. It was later replaced following criticism.

Prior to its release on Netflix, the film had not been deemed controversial when it was screened at Sundance and released in France.[7] After Netflix acquired Cuties, its international promotional poster and trailer for the film were criticised for allegedly sexualising 11-year-old girls[26][27][28] and were different from those used to promote the film in its original release in France. The Parents Television Council (PTC) requested that Netflix remove the film entirely, and a Change.org petition calling for people to cancel their Netflix subscription gathered more than 600,000 signatures.[27][29] Followers of QAnon on social media also criticised the film,[7][30][31] and a moderator on the movies and television board of 4chan banned images pertaining to the film from being posted on the imageboard site.[32][33] In Latin America, #NetflixPedofilia trended on Twitter prior to the film's Netflix release.[34]

In response, Netflix replaced the poster with a new one, stating, "This was not an accurate representation of the film so the image and description has been updated."[35][36][37] The new poster was replaced with that of the original theatrical release, depicting the girls running in the street with shopping bags while celebrating.[35]

Amidst the controversy, American actress Tessa Thompson came out in support of the film when it was criticised on social media, stating that "Cuties is a beautiful film" and said that she felt "gutted" when she saw the film for the first time during the Sundance premiere.[38]

In Turkey, the Ministry of Family asked Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) to take the necessary precautions and evaluate the film;[39] RTÜK subsequently demanded the film be removed from the Netflix catalogue.[40][41] Netflix removed the film from its catalogue in Turkey two days before its release.[42][43] In September 2020, Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi signed one of the petitions and demanded Netflix cancel their planned release of the film.[44] Adriana Martínez Bedini, vice-president of Buenos Aires' Consejo de los Derechos de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes (Council for the Rights of Girls, Boys and Teenagers), called for "being very careful not to eroticize childhood. Its consequences in society can be serious", adding that the topic would be included in the council plenary.[45]

In an interview with Deadline Hollywood, Maïmouna Doucouré stated that she received numerous death threats and personal attacks following the backlash on social media.[46] She claimed that things happened fairly quickly (after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic); she was focusing solely on the film's theatrical release in France, and at the time was not consulted about the controversial poster unveiled by Netflix. She said that she was notified of the film's poster controversy after being informed of negative feedback and reviews from the public on social media, and that the co-CEO of Netflix phoned her directly and apologised for the poster release.[47]

International release

On 10 September, #CancelNetflix started trending on Twitter in the United States (one day after the release of the film internationally) with The Guardian saying that opposition came from across the political spectrum.[48] Michelle Jaworski of The Daily Dot said that part of the outrage was based on clips of the film that were taken out of context.[49] Subscribers of Netflix repeatedly threatened to cancel their subscriptions following the release of the film on the platform. It became the second Netflix film in 2020 to have received severe backlash and condemnation among the public regarding accusations of inappropriate culture portrayal, following 365 Days.[50] Shortly after its release on Netflix, Cuties had an IMDb rating of 1.7/10,[51] reflecting the impact of review bombing in relation to the controversy over the film.[52]

In response, Netflix defended Cuties, saying that the film is a piece of "social commentary against the sexualisation of young children" and encouraged subscribers to watch it.[53][54][55] In a further interview, Doucouré claimed that people upset with her film have not streamed it, stating: "I realise that the people who have started this controversy haven't yet seen the film. Netflix has apologised to the public and to myself. I'm hoping that these people will watch the movie now that it's out. I'm eager to see their reaction when they realise that we're both on the same side of this fight against young children's hypersexualisation."[56]

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation, a conservative religious[57][58] organisation formerly known as Morality in Media, condemned Netflix for giving a film "that has permitted the sexual exploitation of children" a platform and called for the company to cut the "sexually-exploitative scenes or stop hosting this film at all".[59][60][61][58]

Forbes noted that the film does not contain any child pornography, such as explicit nudity of a minor.[62] The French directors guild criticised the backlash against the film, calling it a "grave attack on freedom of creation" being fueled by "the most conservative of Americans."[63] French organisation UniFrance also condemned the backlash towards the film, saying in a statement that the backlash "pose[s] a serious threat to the very space that cinema seeks to open up: a space of discussion, reflection, and of helping us to see beyond our own preconceived ideas."[64]

Despite the controversy, the film reached the top 5 on Netflix in the United States, as well as the top 10 in 17 other countries.[65] In a poll by Screen Engine/ASI of 96 U.S. Netflix subscribers 52% of people said they only watched the film due to the controversy, while 29% said it was a major factor in their choice to watch the film. After watching the film 72% said the controversy was "overblown" with 38% strongly agreeing. Overall 48% strongly agreed that the film should not be available on Netflix, while 17% somewhat agreed.[66]

However, it has also been noted that there was a decrease in renewals to Netflix, likely due to the film.[67][68] The days after the film's release saw an eight times increase in the number of cancellations of Netflix subscriptions than typical, reaching "a multi-year high", according to data analytics companies Antenna and YipitData.[68][69] Research firm 7Park Data noted that the surge in Netflix cancellations died down within a week of the initial uproar.[70]

In September 2020, in an interview hosted by UniFrance, Doucouré reflected that the film became controversial primarily due to the artwork used by Netflix. In the interview, she rejected the claim that the controversy originated in cultural differences between European and American viewers. She insisted that she shares the spirit and fight against sexualisation of children similar to those who criticised the film.[71][72] Doucouré reaffirmed her intentions for making the film in an op-ed for The Washington Post, and responded to the controversy saying, "The movie has certainly started a debate, though not the one that I intended." She also said, "It's my sincerest hope that this conversation doesn't become so difficult that it too gets caught up in today's 'cancel culture.'"[8]

U.S. political responses

 
Letter by 34 members of Congress to U.S Attorney General William Barr, recommending he bring charges against Netflix over its distribution of Cuties

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri informally invited Netflix to discuss the film "before Congress" in a tweet.[73] U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah sent a letter directly to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, and requested "an explanation on Hasting's [sic] views as to whether or not the potential exploitation of minors in this film constitutes criminal behavior".[74] U.S. House Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii explicitly called the film "child porn" and that it would "whet the appetite of pedophiles [and] help fuel the child sex trafficking trade."[75] U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas sent a letter to the Department of Justice to "investigate whether Netflix, its executives, or the filmmakers violated any federal laws against the production and distribution of child pornography."[76] Christine Pelosi, daughter of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stated that Cuties "hypersexualises girls my daughter's age no doubt to the delight of pedophiles like the ones I prosecuted."[77][78] Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Representative Jim Banks of Indiana also both criticised the film in separate statements, calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to take legal action against Netflix, with Cotton saying "There's no excuse for the sexualisation of children, and Netflix's decision to promote the film Cuties is disgusting at best and a serious crime at worst".[79] Representatives Ken Buck of Colorado and Andy Biggs of Arizona also called for the Department of Justice to investigate.[80] The state attorneys general of Ohio, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas have also written a letter to Netflix asking for removal of the film.[81][52] Donald Trump Jr., son of then-President Donald Trump, also condemned the film in a campaign event in Arizona saying "You know what the left is doing? They're justifying Cuties, they're justifying pedophilia."[82]

On 23 September 2020, Netflix was indicted by a grand jury in Tyler County, Texas, on a charge that it "depicts the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a clothed or partially clothed child who was younger than 18 years of age ... and has no serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value."[83] In response, Netflix continued to defend the film in a statement saying, "Cuties is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children. This charge is without merit and we stand by the film."[84] Thomas Leatherbury, director of the First Amendment clinic at Southern Methodist University, said the indictment was an "unusual test case", adding that it's "troubling" that there is a "criminal charge related to First Amendment activity, particularly expressive activity, like a movie."[85] The Texas-based defense lawyer Paul Saputo called the indictment "one of 'the dumbest and most absurd' in the state", noting its win at Sundance qualifies the film as having serious artistic value.[86][87] Former federal prosecutor Duncan Levin also stated that the indictment was "more of a culture wars attack on a sexualized film than a law enforcement issue."[88] The National Society of Film Critics also spoke out against the indictment, calling it "utterly baseless" and "absurd".[89][90] The case was dismissed without prejudice in 2022.[91]

Netflix responses

See also: Digital Millennium Copyright Act § Criticisms

On 12 October 2020, during a MIPCOM Online keynote address, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos continued to defend the film. "Frankly, I'm surprised there hasn't been more discussion about the First Amendment implications of this film. It's a film I would argue is very misunderstood with some audiences, uniquely in the United States...It's the director's story and the film has obviously played very well at Sundance, without any of this kind of controversy and played in theaters throughout Europe without any of this controversy, ...I think it's a little surprising that in 2020 in America, we're having a discussion about censoring storytelling."[92][93][94]

In November 2020, it was reported that Netflix sent dozens of takedown requests to Twitter targeting specific posts that criticise Cuties. One user whose tweets were removed said it was "a clear violation of our First Amendment rights", while another user stated it was "just sad", and added "shame on Netflix and Twitter for taking away people's voices. That is how I feel." TorrentFreak said the cluster of copyright claims by Netflix was unusual.[95][96]

Reception

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 86% based on 81 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. The site's critics consensus reads: "A thoughtful look at the intricacies of girlhood in the modern age, Cuties is a coming-of-age film that confronts its themes with poignancy and nuance."[97] At Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 67 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[98]

Monica Castillo of RogerEbert.com gave the film four out of four stars, stating that "Cuties is a difficult and challenging film, pushing the idea of 'depiction does not equal endorsement' to its limit."[99] In a review for IndieWire, Kate Erbland wrote, "Although Doucouré steeps Cuties in emotion and experience, she abandons its grace to make crazier gestures."[100] Variety's Amy Nicholson wrote: "Newcomer Youssouf has an anchoring presence. Occasionally, Doucouré lets her light up the screen with a smile, and at the director's most expressionistic, the girl floats", though it stated the film is aiming to gain more "gasps than laughs" with its dance numbers.[101] Other reviewers commented that the film is intended to criticise "a culture that steers impressionable young girls toward the hypersexualisation of their bodies" and "seems to want to provoke censure".[102][103] Clarisse Fabre of Le Monde praised the film and said that it avoids judging the sexualised dances of the girls.[104]

French newspaper Libération described the film as "endearing but too demonstrative", adding that "the film remains on the threshold of the discomfort that it intends to press each time it meets the male gaze, as if it was afraid to blame it head on".[105] According to France Info, "Mignonnes' words are a subtle reflection on the condition of women when childhood and innocence discreetly recede" and a "female cast carried by the intensity of the young Fathia Youssouf, a revelation".[106]

David Fear of Rolling Stone rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, calling it a "sensitive portrait of growing pains that deserves to be seen".[107] Common Sense Media gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote that "Maïmouna Doucouré has created an evocative, compassionate portrait of young girls finding their identity and values".[108] Alyssa Rosenberg of The Washington Post defended the film, stating that the film would be liked by those who have not seen a glimpse of it yet, and she also criticised the remarks made against the film.[109][110] Carlos Aguilar of TheWrap compared Cuties to films such as Girlhood (2014), The Fits (2015) and Atlantics (2019).[111]

Fionnuala Halligan of Screen Daily, however, commented on the close-up minor shots: "Doucouré seems to want to provoke censure, but fails precisely because she's trying so hard." She also called the musical shots "outrageous", but also said that "[a]ll four Cuties members give excellent performances."[112] Yvonne Bohwongprasert of the Bangkok Post stated that the film's storyline "sexualises the girls in a manner that would pander to the desires of a paedophile" with "a plot that really does not make sense."[113] Brett McCracken of The Gospel Coalition argued that "People on every point on the political spectrum should be able to say it is wrong for a film—any film, however well-intentioned—to depict close-up, lingering shots of scantily clad 11-year-olds twerking."[114]

Accolades

Award nominations for Cuties
Ceremony Award Category Nominee Result
Berlin International Film Festival[115] Generation Prize Best Film
  • Maïmouna Doucouré
  • Bien Ou Bien Productions
 Nominated
Crystal Bear Generation Kplus – Best Film Maïmouna Doucouré Nominated
Sundance Film Festival[116] World Cinema Dramatic Competition Directing Award – Dramatic Won
Grand Jury Prize – Dramatic Nominated
Gotham Awards[117] Gotham Independent Film Awards Best International Feature Nominated
César Awards[118] 46th César Awards Most Promising Actress Fathia Youssouf Won
Best First Feature Film Maïmouna Doucouré Nominated

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Cuties (2020)". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  2. ^ Tinubu, Aramide (10 September 2020). "The Director in the Middle of the #CancelNetflix Backlash Speaks Out". Zora. Retrieved 18 January 2022 – via Medium.
  3. ^ Brokaw, Sommer. "Children compete in dance in Netflix trailer of Doucoure's 'Cuties' to air Sept. 9". UPI. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  4. ^ "Mignonnes | Cuties | Die Süßen" (in German). Berlinale. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  5. ^ Goodfellow, Melanie (24 January 2020). "Director Maïmouna Doucouré reveals the "shocking" inspiration behind Sundance drama 'Cuties'". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  6. ^ Bueno, Antoinette. "Netflix Apologizes Over Criticism of 'Cuties' Poster Sexualizing Children: 'It Was Not OK'". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  7. ^ a b c Marshall, Alex (21 August 2020). "Netflix, Accused of Sexualizing Girls, Pulls Artwork for 'Cuties'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  8. ^ a b c d Blistein, Jon (16 September 2020). "'Cuties' Director Maimouna Doucoure Addresses Controversy Surrounding Netflix Film". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 17 September 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  9. ^ Haynes, Suyin. "'This Film Is Sounding an Alarm.' What the 'Cuties' Director Wants Critics to Know About Her New Film". Time. Archived from the original on 5 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  10. ^ "'Cuties', the French indie movie dragged into US election fray". France 24. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  11. ^ Dale, Martin (14 January 2020). "French Producer Zangro on Sundance Entry 'Cuties,' and Upcoming Project". Variety. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  12. ^ Haskoor, Michael (13 September 2020). "Where was 'Cuties' on Netflix Filmed?". Decider. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  13. ^ Sharf, Zack (11 September 2020). "'Cuties' Director Speaks Out Amid Backlash Film Sexualizes Children, Netflix Stands by It". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  14. ^ Erbland, Kate (24 January 2020). "'Cuties' Review: Netflix Coming-of-Age Tale Goes for the Supernatural When Real Life Is Enough". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  15. ^ Nicholson, Amy (24 January 2020). "'Cuties': Film Review". Variety. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  16. ^ Hipes, Patrick (2 February 2020). "Sundance Film Festival Awards: 'Minari' Scores Double Top Honors – The Complete Winners List". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 2 February 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  17. ^ "3 French films in competition at Sundance". UniFrance. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  18. ^ Vena, Teresa. "Review: Cuties". Cineuropa. Archived from the original on 13 April 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  19. ^ Lemercier, Fabien. "Bac Films to take Cuties and Wildland to Sundance and Berlin". Cineuropa. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  20. ^ Delneste, Yannick (30 June 2020). "Vidéo. Bordeaux : le film "Mignonnes" sortira finalement le 19 août". Sud Ouest (in French). Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  21. ^ "Cuties" (in French). BAC Films. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  22. ^ "Mignonnes (2020) - Financial Information".
  23. ^ Dale, Martin (14 January 2020). "Netflix Buys World Rights to Maimouna Doucouré's Sundance-Player 'Cuties'". Variety. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  24. ^ Bjornson, Greta (19 August 2020). "'Cuties' Netflix Movie Trailer and Release Date". Decider. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  25. ^ Moore, Kasey (12 August 2024). "Netflix's Controversial Movie 'Cuties' Set to Depart Streaming Service". What's on Netflix. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  26. ^ Carr, Flora (21 August 2020). "When is Cuties on Netflix? Poster controversy, release date and latest news". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 2 September 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  27. ^ a b McNary, Dave (20 August 2020). "Netflix Apologizes for 'Inappropriate' 'Cuties' Poster Slammed for 'Sexualizing' Little Girls". Variety. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  28. ^ Minelle, Bethany. "Cuties: Netflix pulls 'inappropriate' image promoting schoolgirl dance film". Sky News. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  29. ^ Carras, Christi (20 August 2020). "Netflix apologizes after thousands call to remove film that 'sexualizes' young girls". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  30. ^ "How 'Cuties' Got Caught in a Gamergate-Style Internet Clash". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020 – via www.wired.com.
  31. ^ "The Netflix Movie "Cuties" Has Become The Latest Target Of #SaveTheChildren Conspiracy Theorists". BuzzFeed News. 11 September 2020. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  32. ^ Crowley, James (20 August 2020). "4Chan Bans All Images from Upcoming Netflix Movie 'Cuties'". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  33. ^ Katz, Brandon (20 August 2020). "Netflix's 'Cuties' Is Taking Heat for How Its Marketing Portrays Preteens Twerking". Observer. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  34. ^ "La razón por la que #NetflixPedofilia es tendencia en Twitter" [The reason why #NetflixPedofilia is trending on Twitter]. Infobae (in European Spanish). 21 August 2020. Archived from the original on 29 August 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  35. ^ a b Grater, Tom (20 August 2020). "Netflix Apologizes For 'Inappropriate' 'Cuties' Poster That Was Criticized For Sexualizing Children". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  36. ^ "Netflix drops Cuties film poster amid controversy". BBC News. 20 August 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  37. ^ Salmon, Caspar (21 August 2020). "Cuties: how an unreleased Netflix film whipped up a frenzy of fury". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  38. ^ Sharf, Zack (21 August 2020). "Tessa Thompson and More Defend 'Cuties,' Criticize Netflix's Marketing for Creating Outrage". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  39. ^ "Cuties (Minnoşlar): Netflix'te yayımlanması planlanan film için bakanlık RTÜK'e başvurdu" (in Turkish). BBC Türkçe. 21 August 2020. Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  40. ^ "Netflix'de tepki çeken Cuties filmi için RTÜK'teki rapor tamamladı; yaptırım uygulanması gündemde" [RTÜK completed the report for the Cuties movie, which got a reaction on Netflix; implementation of sanctions is on the agenda]. T24 (in Turkish). 1 September 2020. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  41. ^ Kozok, Firat (2 September 2020). "Netflix Risks Turkish Penalties Over Controversial 'Cuties'". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 6 September 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  42. ^ "Netflix'in yayınladığı 'Minnoşlar' filmi Türkiye'de yayından kaldırıldı". Yeni Şafak (in Turkish). 7 September 2020. Archived from the original on 7 September 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  43. ^ "Environmental Social Governance 2020" (PDF). Netflix. p. 19.
  44. ^ "Hamza Ali Abbasi calls out Netflix over film 'sexualising minors'". The Express Tribune. 1 September 2020. Archived from the original on 2 September 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  45. ^ "Por "Cuties", una película sobre niñas que practican un baile erótico, en las redes acusan a Netflix de pedofilia (Spanish)". Clarín (in Spanish). 3 September 2020. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  46. ^ "Cuties director 'had death threats' over poster". BBC News. 4 September 2020. Archived from the original on 5 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  47. ^ Grater, Tom (3 September 2020). "'Cuties' Director Says She Received Death Threats After Netflix Poster Backlash; Ted Sarandos Called Her To Apologize". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  48. ^ "Cuties controversy sparks #CancelNetflix campaign". The Guardian. 11 September 2020. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  49. ^ Jaworski, Michelle (10 September 2020). "People are canceling their Netflix, accusing French film of 'normalizing pedophilia'". The Daily Dot. Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  50. ^ Alexander, Julia (11 September 2020). "Why 'Cancel Netflix' is trending". The Verge. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  51. ^ Sharma, Aayush (10 September 2020). "Netflix's 'Cuties' Becomes One Of The Lowest-Rated Movies On IMDb Amid 'Cancel Netflix' Campaign". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  52. ^ a b "Attorneys general send letters requesting removal of 'Cuties' from Netflix; Ohio's Yost co-signs". WKYC. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  53. ^ Moniuszko, Sara M. "Netflix encourages subscribers to watch 'Cuties' after online backlash, #CancelNetflix drama". USA Today. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  54. ^ Spangler, Todd (11 September 2020). "Netflix Defends 'Cuties' as 'Social Commentary' Against Sexualization of Young Children". Variety. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  55. ^ Rosen, Christopher. "Netflix Defends Cuties As "Social Commentary Against Sexualization of Children"". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  56. ^ Sharf, Zack (11 September 2020). "'Cuties' Director Speaks Out Amid Backlash Film Sexualizes Children, Netflix Stands by It". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  57. ^ Nolan, Emma (15 September 2020). "'Cuties' on Netflix Could Be Used By Predators to Groom Children, Anti-Porn Group Warns". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 17 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  58. ^ a b Dickson, EJ (14 September 2020). "How 'Cuties' Is Fueling the Far Right's Obsession With Pedophilia". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 14 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  59. ^ Moniuszko, Sara M. "Netflix encourages viewers to watch 'Cuties'; National Center on Sexual Exploitation disagrees". USA Today. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  60. ^ Crowley, James (11 September 2020). ""#CancelNetflix is valid": The National Center on Sexual Exploitation weighs in on "Cuties"". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  61. ^ Gariano, Francesca. "Netflix faces backlash again for French film 'Cuties' about young girls". Today. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  62. ^ Sandler, Rachel (12 September 2020). "Ted Cruz Falsely Claims Netflix's 'Cuties' Shows Child Nudity In Call For DOJ Probe". Forbes. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  63. ^ Sharf, Zack (15 September 2020). "France's Directors Guild: 'Cuties' Boycott Is an Attack on Creative Freedom Fueled by Conservatives". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  64. ^ Roxborough, Scott (18 September 2020). "Unifrance Condemns "Violent Reaction" to Netflix Film 'Cuties'". Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  65. ^ Spencer, Samuel (14 September 2020). "'Cuties' boycott fails as controversial movie makes Netflix top 5". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  66. ^ McClintock, Pamela (21 September 2020). "'Cuties': Controversy Lures Viewers to Netflix Movie, Survey Says". Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  67. ^ Dhaliwal, Shivdeep. "Netflix Bleeding Subscribers Over 'Cuties,' Exodus May Worsen: Report". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  68. ^ a b Spangler, Todd (15 September 2020). "'Cuties' Backlash Led Netflix U.S. Cancellations to Spike Nearly Eightfold, Analytics Firm Says". Variety. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  69. ^ Ali, Rasha (17 September 2020). "Is Netflix losing subscribers over 'Cuties'? Maybe". USA Today. Archived from the original on 18 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  70. ^ "'Cuties' Controversy: Surge in Netflix Cancellations Was Short-Lived, Data Shows". Variety. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  71. ^ Keslassy, Elsa (14 September 2020). "'Cuties' Director Maimouna Doucouré Says She Shares 'The Same Fight' as Those Condemning Her Film". Variety. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  72. ^ "'Cuties' Director Issues Statement Amid Controversy: "We're on the Same Side Against Young Children's Hypersexualization"". Decider. 14 September 2020. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  73. ^ Roos, Meghan (11 September 2020). "Missouri senator asks Netflix to answer questions about its controversial "Cuties" film and marketing campaign". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  74. ^ Curtis, Larry D. (11 September 2020). "Sen. Lee calls on Netflix CEO to remove film 'Cuties' from its service". KUTV. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  75. ^ Cole, Brendan (12 September 2020). "Democrat Tulsi Gabbard says Netflix is complicit in child sex trafficking for "child porn" film "Cuties"". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  76. ^ Murdock, Jason (12 September 2020). "Ted Cruz Calls for Justice Department to Investigate Netflix Over 'Cuties' Child Porn Claims". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  77. ^ Armus, Theo (11 September 2020). "Facing backlash, Netflix defends 'Cuties' as 'social commentary' against sexualizing young girls". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  78. ^ Alter, Ethan (14 September 2020). "Nancy Pelosi's daughter Christine says Netflix should 'cancel' 'Cuties': 'Apologize, work with experts to heal your harm'". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  79. ^ Hall, Louise (12 September 2020). "Lawmakers demand Netflix probe over controversial film "Cuties"". The Independent. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  80. ^ Bahr, Lindsey (14 September 2020). "Netflix's 'Cuties' becomes target of politicized backlash". AP News. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  81. ^ Moniuszko, Sara M. "State attorneys general ask Netflix to pull controversial 'Cuties' as director defends 'feminist' film". USA Today. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  82. ^ Stephenson, Hank (26 September 2020). "Arizona: A Donald Trump Jr. event is full of people and conspiracy theories". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  83. ^ Madani, Doha (6 October 2020). "Netflix indicted in Texas over 'lewd' depiction of children in 'Cuties'". NBC News. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  84. ^ Maddaus, Gene (6 October 2020). "Netflix Indicted in Texas for 'Lewd' Content in 'Cuties'". Variety. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  85. ^ "Texas politicians fueled criticism of "Cuties." Now, Netflix is facing criminal charges in a small East Texas county". ABC13 Houston. 7 October 2020. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  86. ^ Alexander, Julia (7 October 2020). "Netflix indicted by a Texas grand jury over "lewd depictions" in Cuties". The Verge. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  87. ^ "Netflix charged for lewd portrayal of young girls in Cuties by Texas jury". India Today. 8 October 2020. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  88. ^ Dickson, E. J. (8 October 2020). "Netflix's 'Cuties' Was Just Charged With Lewdness. But That's Not the Full Story". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  89. ^ @NatSocFilmCrix (19 October 2020). "A statement from the National Society of Film Critics regarding the grand jury indictment of Netflix for the film CUTIES" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  90. ^ "National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) issues statement in defense of Netflix and 'Cuties'". AwardsWatch. 19 October 2020. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  91. ^ KTRE Digital Media Staff (6 June 2022). "Judge dismisses Tyler County lawsuit against Netflix over 'Cuties' film". KLTV. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  92. ^ Vlessing, Etan (12 October 2020). "Ted Sarandos Defends Controversial 'Cuties' Movie as "Misunderstood"". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  93. ^ "Ted Sarandos Talks Netflix's Global Growth, 'Cuties' Controversy at MIPCOM". Variety. 12 October 2020. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  94. ^ Kanter, Jake (12 October 2020). "Netflix Chief Ted Sarandos Fires Back At 'Cuties' Controversy: "It's Surprising In 2020 America That We're Having A Discussion About Censoring Storytelling"". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  95. ^ Cox, Kate (5 November 2020). "Netflix files copyright claims against tweets criticizing movie, trailer". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  96. ^ "Netflix Targets Critical 'Cuties' Tweets With Copyright Takedown Requests * TorrentFreak". Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  97. ^ "Cuties". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on 8 July 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  98. ^ "Cuties". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 23 July 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  99. ^ Castillo, Monica (9 September 2020). "Cuties movie review & film summary (2020)". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  100. ^ Erbland, Kate (24 January 2020). "'Cuties' Review: Netflix Coming-of-Age Tale Goes for the Supernatural When Real Life Is Enough". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  101. ^ Nicholson, Amy (24 January 2020). "'Cuties': Film Review". Variety. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  102. ^ Halligan, Fionnuala (24 January 2020). "'Cuties': Sundance Review". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on 24 January 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  103. ^ Rooney, David. "'Cuties' ('Mignonnes'): Film Review | Sundance 2020". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 24 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  104. ^ Fabre, Clarisse (19 August 2020). "" Mignonnes " : une jeune adolescente en quête d'identité". Le Monde (in French). Archived from the original on 23 August 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  105. ^ Onana, Sandra (18 August 2020). ""Mignonnes", L'aberration sensuelle". Libération (in French). Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  106. ^ Gbadamassi, Falila (6 August 2020). ""Mignonnes" : "C'est un film qui interroge sur comment devenir une femme aujourd'hui"" (in French). France Info. Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  107. ^ Fear, David (9 September 2020). "'Cuties' Review: A Coming-of-Age Movie Caught in the Culture Wars". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  108. ^ Green, Jennifer (10 September 2020). "Cuties – Movie Review". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  109. ^ Rosenberg, Alyssa (11 September 2020). "The people freaking out about 'Cuties' should try it. They might find a lot to like". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  110. ^ Wulfsohn, Joseph (11 September 2020). "Washington Post columnist defends 'Cuties' from uproar after knocking 'Joker' as provocative". Fox News. Archived from the original on 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  111. ^ Aguilar, Carlos (24 January 2020). "'Cuties' Film Review: Provocative Coming-of-Age Tale Makes for an Explosive Debut". TheWrap. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  112. ^ Halligan, Fionnuala. "'Cuties': Sundance Review". Screen Daily. Archived from the original on 24 January 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  113. ^ Bohwongprasert, Yvonne (18 September 2020). "Cuties crosses the line". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  114. ^ McCracken, Brett (16 September 2020). "Condemning 'Cuties' Should Be Noncontroversial". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  115. ^ Roxborough, Scott (29 February 2020). "Berlin: Mexican Drama 'Los Lobos' Wins Generation Kplus Sidebar". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 17 March 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  116. ^ Olsen, Mark; Yamato, Jen (1 February 2020). "'Minari' wins top awards at the Sundance Film Festival, as women sweep directing prizes". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 14 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  117. ^ "Gotham Awards 2020". Gotham Awards. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  118. ^ "Cérémonie des Césars : Fathia Youssouf, 14 ans, meilleur espoir féminin et plus jeune lauréate". Le Parisien. 11 March 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cuties&oldid=1256392486"