Netflix To The Bone Glamorises Anorexia Criticism

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Photo: Gilles Mingasson/Courtesy of Netflix.

Netflix released the trailer for To The Bone earlier this week, its upcoming comedy drama about a young woman with anorexia, and many have accused the streaming service of glamorising eating disorders.

The trailer shows protagonist Ellen, played by Lily Collins, who has spoken about her own struggle with anorexia as a teenager, smiling triumphantly after counting calories, compulsively exercising and fainting, before reluctantly entering a treatment programme.

Many on social media said it made them concerned about how the disorder will be portrayed in the film, with some suggesting it could be triggering for vulnerable viewers and may romanticise mental illness.

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IF U HAVE ANY TRIGGERS ATTACHED TO FOOD/ED DO NOT WATCH THE TRAILER FOR THE NETFLIX SERIES "TO THE BONE"
— jenni (@Jenn1Monahan) June 20, 2017

just romanticize mental illnesses??? i'm so fucking angry i don't want suicide/depression/eating disorders to be some kind of tragic love -
— her (@mattyspinkwoman) June 21, 2017

u can already tell to the bone is gonna be another show romanticising mental illness and be dangerous for those who have eating disorders
— lana ? (@alanna_samuel) June 20, 2017

Netflix's 'to the bone' is just a massive trigger to anyone with mental health problems or any form of eating disorder, it is not helpful
— morgan (@mxrganmc) June 20, 2017

To the Bone: When I was 13 and my ED was beginning, I watched every clip of anorexia depicted in every tv show/movie I could find. (1/10)
— tay (@bwaybabytay) June 21, 2017

i can see what netflix are trying to do with To The Bone but i can see it causing more harm than good
— nic (@circasIaves) June 20, 2017

To The Bone looks exactly like the thinspo I used to consume, but so does almost every piece of media on or about anorexia.
— Witch Hazel ? (@HazelMonforton) June 22, 2017

The critics have been somewhat vindicated by the fact that many anorexia sufferers and pro-anorexia websites and social media accounts have already described To The Bone as "thinspiration". "I really wanna talk down on To The Bone, but honestly, Lily Collins looks so freaking good in it, I'm just using it as thinspo," one person wrote (which we're not going to link to for obvious reasons).

Some also accused Netflix of being irresponsible for making a recovered anorexia sufferer lose weight for a role.

to the bone is a whole mess but first up why the fuck would you have an ex-anorexia sufferer lose loads of weight for a role
— marianne eloise (@marianne_eloise) June 21, 2017

Not everyone was offended by it, however. Some said the criticism was overblown considering the film was made by people with experience of eating disorders, and the fact that no one's even seen the film in full yet, and they hoped To The Bone would portray mental health responsibly.

To The Bone was written by a woman who was anorexic & stars Lily Collins who overcame ED. This is NOT a 13rw case. pic.twitter.com/EKoEY9iGko
— Ariel (@fIoraIprints) June 20, 2017

to the bone isn't gonna be accurate for everyone but it is for me and lily and marti n saying it's Bad invalidates ppl's Real experiences
— tones pine ? (@CPlNES) June 21, 2017

before y'all go off about to the bone maybe do your research it's written and directed by someone who had an eating disorder
— n | was rhaegardied (@JEONSBEGlN) June 20, 2017

Some suggested the film should be praised for bringing attention to mental illness.

people with no mental illness: we need mental illness rep!!!
to the bone: hello
people: omg ur glorifying mental illness get out
— heroin chic (@raskolnovich) June 20, 2017

If the two-minute trailer has triggered such a reaction, it seems likely the full-length film will cause even more of a debate when it is released.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, please call Beat on 0345 634 1414. Support and information is available 365 days a year.

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