Sunsets, Stockholm Syndrome and the Infamous 365 Days Boat Scene
In the world of streaming platforms, certain movies can grab the viewer’s attention and captivate their attention with fascinating plots, intriguing story lines, and arousing characters. Yet, sometimes, a film can earn its popularity for all the wrong reasons, and it wouldn’t be wrong to put 365 Days on the list.
A Polish/Italian crime thriller drama was unveiled on Netflix and branded as a complete train wreck. Notably, it topped all the charts and broke all the records, but it wasn’t critically acclaimed. It has a rating of 3.3 out of 10 on IMDb!
The plot mainly offers a mix of romance, drama, and, of course, controversy. Having a substantial fanbase, the movie hasn’t been immune to criticism at all, raising concerns about toxic masculinity, consent, abusive relationships, and several other power dynamics.
The Plot
Laura, a Polish executive who works in sales, gets kidnapped on a vacation by a Sicilian mafioso, Massimo. After kidnapping, she is imprisoned by Massimo, who demands she fall in love with her—the perfect example of Stockholm syndrome.
Massimo’s toxic, controlling behavior, threats, and physical abuse are supposedly disguised as passionate romance on the TV screen. However, it’s a glorification of toxic masculinity and coercion and raises questions about the connotation and portrayal of women in the mainstream media.
The 365 Days Boat Scene
Amidst all the controversies and explosively compelling visuals, the infamous 365 Days boat scene stands out throughout the entire movie. Set against the backdrop and filmed somewhere on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the scene seems visually captivating, but it has raised a lot of concerns.
Since the power dynamics are disturbingly skewed throughout the entire story arc, critics have argued that the scene romanticizes and glorifies non-consensual acts and blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The film has been accused of normalizing unhealthy dynamics that can potentially lead to a change in the perception of consent amongst the viewers and its impact on them. On the contrary, a few might argue that it is the most pivotal moment in the character development and explosive storyline of Laura and Massimo.
With unapologetic sexuality and building up a narrative of kidnapping and forcefully demanding to commit to the relationship, the movie has gone on to raise some uncomfortable questions and empower dangerous relationships for all the wrong reasons.
The scene has been a burning topic for a while now and has become a focal point of the storyline, setting the audience on social media aflame. The discussion has mainly revolved around the ethical stance and the portrayal of sensitive themes. The majority of the audience is skewed toward the portrayal, emphasizing the importance of healthy relationships.
Branding The Film As Purely Problematic: Deserving Or Over-Rated?
To label the film as purely problematic would be an absolute disservice, as it has an undefiable appeal to some. The undeniable chemistry between the co-stars, the visually appealing content, and the setting against the Italian backdrop certainly create a primal desire to embark on a forbidden thrill and offer an escapism, even though it is in a problematic way.
Final Verdict
365 Days, a film with a lot of contradictions, raising questions, and igniting controversies and conversations, has certainly stirred the industry with regards to the emphasis on representation of problematic relationships, glorification of toxic masculinity, portrayal of women, and balancing entertainment with possibilities. The viewers have certainly been questioning the ethical stance.
Captivating yet disturbing, visually stunning and appealing, morally complicated and ethically dubious, the movie will surely leave you with a feeling of being both titillated and troubled. Whether you hate it, love it, or question it, it will certainly leave you with a whirlwind of emotions, and most certainly it will leave you with a long-lasting discussion and a lasting impression, even though it might be for all the wrong reasons.
The discussion still continues amongst the hardcore fans regarding how the media can highlight the societal attitudes of balancing the complexities of entertainment with responsibility while highlighting the problematic aspects.