Disney+ Avoids Traditional Family-Friendly Content with Oscar-Winning Film Featuring a Sex Worker

Disney+ has recently come under criticism from a parents’ group for featuring the ‘R’-rated movie Anora, the winner of five Oscars. The film tells the story of a Brooklyn sex worker who finds herself in a fast Las Vegas wedding with a Russian oligarch’s son. Directed by Sean Baker and starring Mikey Madison, among others, Anora can be streamed through the new Disney+ Hulu bundle at a special rate of $2.99 a month for the first four months. When you visit the platform’s homepage, you’ll see Anora promoted with the tagline: “Anora, a young woman from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she marries the son of an oligarch….”

The Parents Television and Media Council, known for advocating for responsibility in the entertainment industry, has raised concerns about Anora. They highlight that the film may glorify prostitution and other mature themes. Melissa Henson, VP of the Parents Television and Media Council, shared, “Given the buzz surrounding Anora from the Oscars, we are alerting parents about its troubling subject matter.” Henson emphasizes that the movie’s ‘R’ rating is well-deserved due to its explicit content, which includes graphic sex scenes, nudity, strong language, and drug use. As a result, she suggests that the film is not suitable for children or teenagers.

Henson points out that since Hulu is easily accessible through the Disney+ streaming service, parents should be aware that Anora will be available on the platform and might be within reach of their children. It’s crucial for parents to be informed about what type of content their children can access. Interestingly, director Sean Baker made history at the 97th Oscars by winning four awards for Anora, tying a record set by Walt Disney back in 1954.