People are rewatching Love Actually and are shocked at what they are seeing...
As the holiday season unfolds, many of us are indulging in festive treats, dodging awkward family interactions, and cozying up with beloved Christmas classics.
Among the traditional favorites like Home Alone and The Grinch, one film that continues to capture the holiday spirit for many is Love Actually.
However, this year, the 2003 romantic comedy directed by Richard Curtis is stirring fresh controversy.
While its ensemble cast and interwoven love stories have made it a holiday staple, a growing number of viewers are calling out the film for what they see as problematic elements, including sexism and fatphobia.
Discontent has been building on social media, with users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) sharing their discomfort with the movie’s treatment of certain characters.
One user criticized the film’s portrayal of body image, saying: "The fat shaming in Love Actually makes it unwatchable. Whoever the man is who wrote this owes women an apology."
Another echoed similar sentiments: "I love Love Actually, if only it wasn’t sexist and fatphobic."
Others noted how these aspects overshadow their enjoyment of the film: The whole movie is utterly appalling. Makes me [sick emoji]."
"God there's so much cringey #fatphobic lines in Love Actually. Kinda ruins it," added another.
Much of the criticism focuses on the treatment of Martine McCutcheon’s character, Natalie.
Despite being a central romantic figure in the movie, Natalie is repeatedly subjected to disparaging remarks about her body.
In one scene, she recalls her ex-boyfriend’s cruel comment: "Nobody wants a girlfriend with thighs the size of tree trunks."
Elsewhere, Natalie is referred to as “the chubby girl,” nicknamed “Plumpy,” and described as having a “sizeable a**e and huge thighs.”
Such lines, which once might have been played for humor, are now being reexamined through a modern lens.
Critics have also highlighted broader issues of sexism within the film.
Equality expert Dr. Charlotte Proudman tweeted earlier this year: "Films about all-white straight male characters who sit around laughing at women’s weight and appearance are boring as well as sexist. Love Actually is seriously cringeworthy."
Some viewers have pointed to problematic storylines, such as Colin’s journey to the U.S. to find women who will fawn over him, or Harry’s (Alan Rickman) infidelity with his assistant, which is glossed over with minimal repercussions.
Additionally, Mark’s unrequited love for his best friend’s wife is rewarded with a kiss, rather than being met with a more realistic confrontation.
Despite these criticisms, Love Actually remains a cherished film for many, and stays cemented as a holiday tradition.
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