Blake Lively's Film Faces Backlash Over Violence Warning

The upcoming psychological thriller "Blink Twice" has issued a trigger warning for viewers, highlighting the depiction of 'sexual violence' in the film. This announcement comes as actress Blake Lively faces significant backlash for her promotional approach to her recent film "It Ends With Us," which addresses the sensitive topic of domestic violence. Critics have labeled Lively's marketing strategy as 'tone-deaf,' particularly due to the insufficient upfront information regarding the film's serious themes. Bridgette Stumpf, founder and executive director of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC, expressed her disappointment in an article for Hollywood Reporter, noting the lack of immediate resources for viewers. While "It Ends With Us" did provide a message with resources during the credits and shared a viewers' guide on its Instagram account, many feel this was inadequate given the film's heavy subject matter. "Blink Twice," set to release on August 23, features insights from its creators, including Zoë Kravitz and Jodie Turner-Smith, who discussed the collaborative and emotional filmmaking process. Ackie described the group discussions as 'beautiful,' emphasizing the bond formed during the challenging scenes, which left them feeling emotionally drained yet connected. In contrast, Lively has been criticized for allegedly trivializing domestic violence by promoting "It Ends With Us" in a manner reminiscent of a romantic comedy. The film, based on Colleen Hoover's novel, follows Lily Bloom, portrayed by Lively, as she navigates an abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni. Reports have also surfaced regarding Lively facing body shaming on set, further complicating the film's promotional narrative.