From a filmmaker’s courage in pushing or breaching the boundaries of what is seen acceptable cinema to addressing delicate subject matter, a controversial film can signify many different things. These movies frequently provoke heated conversations about their effects on viewers, questioning social mores and igniting disputes about their topics and the responses they provoke. Casting choices, historical and ethnic inaccuracy, and religious feeling are all common topics in controversial films, which can all add to their divisive nature. They become the focus of both criticism and acclaim by presenting unvarnished and disturbing reality or by arousing curiosity about taboo subjects. Here are a few of the most contentious films that are accessible on Netflix for individuals who are interested in these kinds of films and their effects.
1. Maestro
In “Maestro,” which was written, directed, and produced by Bradley Cooper, the actor plays the renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein. The slow-burning drama delves further into the composer’s personal life and his marriage to Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). Over several decades, “Maestro” examines Bernstein’s personal life and musical prowess, as well as the relationship between the two. It is also a nuanced love story that highlights his complex marriage.
Cooper’s employment of a prosthetic nose to impersonate Bernstein in this Netflix biography caused controversy, highlighting Jewish prejudices and resulting in charges of “Jewface.” Cooper and Mulligan’s non-Jewish casting also attracted criticism, with some contending that it failed to include Jewish performers. Bernstein’s children, however, defended Cooper’s portrayal. Additionally, the movie was dubbed “Oscar bait,” and discussions concerning its depiction and veracity began even prior to its premiere. The film is available for viewing here.
2. Blonde (2022)
This biography of one of the most significant actresses in history has been met with skepticism ever since the casting announcement for Ana de Armas. Nevertheless, de Armas plays Norma Jeane, also known as Marilyn Monroe, in an Academy Award-nominated performance, shattering suspicions and animosities that questioned her ethnicity as a significant disadvantage. “Blonde,” which is based on Joyce Carol Oates’s eponymous biographical fiction book, examines Monroe’s dual life, which is divided between glamor and sorrow.
History and drama are seamlessly woven together in many of the pivotal moments of her personal life, her ascent to celebrity, and the making of “Some Like It Hot.” The storyline also explores her personal issues, emphasizing ideas of motherhood through a critical CGI fetus that occasionally speaks to her from inside her womb.
The production of “Blonde” was marred by criticism; one MGM executive was sacked for denying director Andrew Dominik permission to utilize original Monroe film footage. It received mixed reviews when it was first released, with many criticizing it as exploitative and arguing that it concentrated more on Monroe’s position as a sex symbol than a person.
Oates and de Armas both denied this assertion, highlighting the film’s unabashedly feminist interpretation. Citing explicit depictions of rape, sexual abuse, and full-frontal nudity, some disagreements broke out. Furthermore, despite Monroe’s three miscarriages and lack of abortion history, the film seems to imply differently, with many claiming it is promoting political goals. To prevent more controversy, “Blonde” is categorized as a “fictional portrait of Marilyn Monroe” and is rated NC-17 on Netflix.
3. Munich – The Edge of War (2021)
The 1938 Munich Agreement, a crucial event that sowed the roots of World War II, serves as the setting for this spy thriller. In “Munich – The Edge of War,” Hugh Legat (George MacKay), a British ambassador, and Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner), a German official and former classmate, try to stop war from starting. It combines real events with fictional elements and was directed by Christian Schwochow of Germany. It is based on Robert Harris’ 2017 novel “Munich.”
The empathetic portrayal of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who was frequently chastised for his appeasement attitude toward Hitler, in “Munich – The Edge of War” caused controversy. According to the story, the Munich Conference may have been a calculated ploy to allow Britain time to forge new allies and rearmament. This portrayal challenged the widely held belief that Chamberlain was ineffectual and generated some discussion among historians and viewers about the revisionist approach to his position in the lead-up to World War II. The thriller is available on Netflix.
4. The Two Popes (2019)
“The Two Popes,” a biographical drama based on Anthony McCarten’s play “The Pope,” starring Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce as future Pope Francis Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio. Their lengthy debate over the future of the Catholic Church against a backdrop of opposing ideologies—conservative and liberal—is followed by the satirical drama.
“The Two Popes,” which was directed by Fernando Meirelles and is set in Vatican City, also examines issues of faith, leadership, and human growth. It was criticized in part for its alleged inaccurate depiction of events, stereotypes, and lighthearted tone. Many contend that it produced the appearance of false or distorted facts, even though it just briefly mentions the 2012 Vatican leaks incident. There were allegations of spiritual and political prejudice, and Bishop Robert Barron expressed displeasure of how Benedict was portrayed. “The Two Popes” is available to view here.
5. The Laundromat (2019)
A parody of the Panama Papers affair, it is based on Jake Bernstein’s book “Secrecy World.” Meryl Streep plays Ellen Martin in “The Laundromat,” a widow who investigates insurance fraud and takes advantage of the unethical behavior revealed by the Panama Papers. The narrative of their business, Mossack Fonseca, is told by Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas, who play real-life attorneys Jürgen Mossack and Ramón Fonseca, respectively.
The film, which was directed by Steven Soderbergh, was criticized by many, who claimed that Streep was wearing blackface. In addition, the scandal-plagued legal firm Mossack Fonseca filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix to prevent the publication of the movie. In the end, the court decided that the movie was protected by free expression, which permitted its release. The film was also criticized by the Panamanian government, and because it included disgraced politician Bo Xilai, it was prohibited in China. You can watch “The Laundromat” on Netflix.
6. To the Bone (2017)
Marti Noxon’s ‘To the Bone’ is about a 20-year-old girl named Ellen, AKA Eli, who has anorexia. She has been in numerous treatment programs, but to little or no success. But after she enrolls in Dr. William Beckham’s program, things start to change. The fundamental idea of “To the Bone” is how the other patients impact her and how she handles it. The movie explores many facets of people’s private lives and how they impact Ellen, frequently leading her down a dark path and making her condition worse. Keanu Reeves plays Dr. William Beckham, Lily Collins plays Ellen, and Carrie Preston plays Susan, Ellen’s stepmother.
The latter’s treatment of anorexia is the source of the film’s controversy. It glamorized the potentially fatal illness, according to many people. Numerous media sources expressed their disapproval and even pointed out how the movie ignores the body of research. Director Noxon responded by saying he created the movie to dispel myths about eating disorders and to serve as a conversation starter. You can watch ‘To the Bone’ here.
7. Nyad (2023)
The Academy Award-nominated sports drama 
“Nyad,” which is based on Diana Nyad’s biography “Find a Way,” features Annette Bening in the athlete’s swimsuit. The sports drama, which was directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, tells the inspirational tale of a journalist and swimmer who, in her 60s, swims 110 miles across the open ocean from Cuba to Florida. With the help of her coach, best friend, and ex-partner Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster) and driven by her unwavering will, she overcomes many obstacles to achieve her remarkable achievement.
When Nyad was first released, it was criticized by many for simplifying the story of Nyad’s swim from Havana in the Caribbean Sea to the island of Key West, showing her with just one boat and claiming to have done so “unassisted.” A lot of people even said that this representation undervalues the assistance of the entire crew and several other vessels. Like her attempt to swim across the English Channel and her run-in with a shark, the biographical movie likewise primarily depends on fabricated material that has affected the marathon swims of many other athletes but not Nyad. The film is available for viewing here.
8. Erin Brockovich (2000)
In the drama “Erin Brockovich,” directed by Steven Soderbergh, Julia Roberts portrays a legal assistant. It is based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, the title character, who sued Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for releasing millions of gallons of toxic wastewater into the seas surrounding the California town of Hinkley in the 1950s and 1960s. In this Oscar-winning drama, we learn how she assisted the townspeople in receiving their long-overdue justice.
Whether Brockovich purposefully utilized her cleavage to entice an official and gain access to private records, as well as her alleged involvement with attorney Edward L. Masry, who first offered her the position, are only two of the many questions surrounding the case depicted in the movie. Regardless, “Erin Brockovich” is a compelling legal drama that is emphasized by Roberts’ superb performance. She received the film’s lone Oscar for Best Actress. The movie is available to stream online.
9. May December (2023)
“May December” centers on a prohibited relationship between a young man and an elderly woman. Elizabeth, played by Natalie Portman, is an actress now working on a film about a woman named Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore). Although they are now married and have children, a national incident occurred 20 years ago when Gracie was discovered in a compromising circumstance with the much younger Joe (Charles Melton). In order to get ready for her role, Elizabeth contacts Gracie. The investigation of the three characters that follows highlights complex feelings that are emphasized by social taboos such as pedophilia and grooming. “May December,” a highly regarded drama directed by Todd Haynes, has strong performances from Portman, Moore, and Melton. It is available to view here.
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