Part 2/10:

Her statement was notably diplomatic, aiming to bridge divides rather than deepen them: "My hope for the movie is that it’s an invitation for everybody to be part of the party and let go of the things that aren’t necessarily serving us." Her measured tone stood out amidst a sea of polarized reactions, earning her praise for taking the high road.

Was the Backlash Surprising?

Many questioned whether Gerwig was actually surprised by the response, considering the film’s intentionally provocative content. The film’s exaggerated depictions and feminist messaging—built into a well-known IP—seemed designed to provoke debate. Critics pointed out that the movie’s hyperbolic approach was bound to offend, especially when it challenged traditional gender roles and societal norms.