Netflix
The INSIDER Summary:
- Despite being an instant success, Netflix’s original series “13 Reasons Why” faced serious backlash earlier this year.
- Many expressed concerns that the show might negatively affect people struggling with mental health disorders.
- Now, Netflix is at the center of another controversy with its trailer for “To the Bone,” an original film about anorexia.
- Some are already accusing the film of “glamorizing” eating disorders while others are hoping it’ll be “eye-opening” and “helpful.”
When Netflix debuted its original series “13 Reasons Why” at the end of March, it proved to be an instant success, quickly breaking records to become the most Tweeted-about show in the network’s history.
Yet it also proved to be a plenty controversial, thanks to its uber-graphic depiction of teen suicide in its lead character, Hannah Baker. The show was reportedly so emotionally draining at times, actors were provided with on-set therapy dogs to cope with the heavy material they were being asked to live out.
Though executive producer Selena Gomez stuck by the show, it ultimately faced some serious backlash from viewers, health care professionals, and suicide prevention groups alike, who were concerned about how the content might affect those struggling with mental health disorders and depression.
Now, another Netflix original is stirring up similar controversy with its trailer for “To the Bone,” a new film in which Lily Collins portrays a young woman battling anorexia.
Not only did Lily Collins, who once struggled with an eating disorder herself, lose weight to play the lead role of Ellen (albeit with the aid of a nutritionist, who helped her to stay safe in her quest), viewers are divided over whether the jarring story will be triggering for those currently struggling with diseases such as anorexia and bulimia.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877310907927416833
I will be extremely disappointed if Netflix doesn’t provide proper trigger warnings and resources for viewers of “To The Bone.”
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877260209177194496
Netflix’s ‘to the bone’ is just a massive trigger to anyone with mental health problems or any form of eating disorder, it is not helpful
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877252117706268673
i can see what netflix are trying to do with To The Bone but i can see it causing more harm than good
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877234341516111873
“I’m under control” #ToTheBone pic.twitter.com/DNOSPVRNuG
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877634838961860608
i wrote about the to the bone trailer and how gross it is pic.twitter.com/Xg0X9i9OJ8
Others still argue that such content needs to be seen in order to help anyone with such issues to feel less alone and stigmatized.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877604536369721344
Hoping “To The Bone” will be eye opening and helpful rather than triggering and glamourising anorexia
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877669653690109957
My two cents on Netflix’s “To The Bone” debate: pic.twitter.com/jJYM0WEIb4
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/877264968193847296
To the bone is great, I mean there is an “happy ending” in a movie about anorexia, and I feel it’s very important BC THERE IS A WAY THROUGH
Though the film won’t air in full until July 14, the cast, which also includes Keanu Reeves, did film a PSA about the “Nine Truths About Eating Disorders” for World Eating Disorders Action Day.
Collins herself says that “she’s proud to have been part of such a powerful and inspiring film,” opening up to “People” to say, “I believe has the potential to make a difference and promote open conversation about a topic so often considered too taboo to discuss.”
The film’s creator, Marti Noxon, has also struggled with an eating disorder firsthand. Netflix has Tweeted her response to the premature backlash the film is receiving, in which she details the lengths she went to keep the film responsible. “We spoke with other survivors and worked with Project Hope throughout production in the hopes of being truthful in a way that wasn’t exploitive,” she wrote. “My goal with the film was not to glamourize EDs, but to serve as a conversation starter about an issue that is too often clouded by secrecy and misconceptions.”
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/878083874047307776
#ToTheBone @netflix pic.twitter.com/ULlsJco3oV
Start a conversation, she certainly did.
Watch the trailer in full here.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/705yRfs6Dbs
Width: 800px
Height: 315px
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