This holiday season, Netflix has found itself in the hot seat over a scene from its animated film, “That Christmas,” which has drawn the ire of many viewers for its unconventional take on the Nativity story. The film, inspired by children’s books penned by acclaimed director Richard Curtis, has viewers questioning the line between creativity and respect for sacred narratives.
A particularly contentious moment unfolds during a school play where a character named Bernadette introduces a modernized version of the biblical tale. She refers to Jesus as a “cool dude” and insists he’d prefer a festive celebration filled with pop songs and discussions about contemporary issues like climate change. “He wouldn’t have wanted us to do the same boring Christmas story year after year, right, parents?” she quips, setting the tone for a production that takes significant liberties with its source material.
As the play progresses, viewers see shepherds herding vegetables instead of sheep and Mary, played by a young girl, performing Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach.” The song’s themes of unexpected pregnancy and the choice against abortion further fuel the controversy, particularly as the scene culminates with an incident where the symbolic watermelon representing baby Jesus is accidentally smashed on stage, splattering across the audience.
The production eventually receives a lukewarm reception from adults in the audience, with comments highlighting the tension between humor and reverence. One attendee remarks, “I don’t think Jesus and jokes go together, dear,” expressing discontent with the unconventional portrayal of a story that holds deep significance for many.
Wider Reactions
Feedback from various commentators adds fuel to the fire, with some alleging that the film crosses a line into disrespect. Mary-Logan Miske, a coordinator at Students for Life of America, voiced her disapproval on social media, arguing that having Mary sing about keeping baby Jesus seriously undermines the Nativity’s original message. Meanwhile, Blaze contributor Allen Mashburn described the movie as an “uneasy watch” with an agenda strongly rooted in current socio-political themes. He pointed out the absurdity of certain moments, like the storm portrayed as a climate catastrophe, and even noted grotesque depictions of angel cookies that are unsettling in their visual presentation.
Throughout her career, Madonna has often stirred debate with her provocative statements surrounding Christianity and abortion. In a 2019 interview, she openly questioned the Catholic Church’s stance on abortion, suggesting that Jesus would support a woman’s right to choose. Such views, compounded by her inclusion in the Nativity production, have heightened scrutiny of the movie’s approach.
With the film currently streaming, Netflix has yet to comment on the backlash. As the festive season approaches, audiences are left to grapple with a film that blends holiday cheer with contemporary dialogue, stirring an array of opinions that may linger long after the credits roll.
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