Known for her great sense of humor, Amy Schumer is a comedian fans can count on for a good laugh.
But her latest comedic turn on the big screen, I Feel Pretty, has left people feeling more outraged than entertained, sparking huge controversy online in the days following its initial trailer release.
In particular, it is the movie’s plot as detailed in the newly-released preview that seems to have drawn the most outrage, with people blasting the story – which focuses on an insecure woman called Renee – for being ‘mean’ and even ‘disgusting’.
Backlash: Amy Schumer’s I Feel Pretty movie has sparked controversy since the release of the trailer on Thursday
Outrage: People are furious that the movie has such a ‘mean’ plotline
Problematic: Some said it was ‘problematic’ and questioned the plot idea
No words: One person took to Twitter to express that they couldn’t even articulate how angry they were
After suffering a head injury due to a fall at spin class, she gains a renewed sense of self-confidence that makes her believe she is the most beautiful woman on the planet.
Those who disapprove of the movie have taken to social media to share their negative thoughts on the film.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘So we really going to pretend that I Fee Pretty isn’t really f*****g mean and the fact that Amy Schumer is that mean to herself doesn’t excuse it.
Another skeptic of the film tweeted that they thought the plot of the film was ‘problematic in so many ways’.
He said: ‘The new Amy Schumer movie I Feel Pretty is such a s**t show. She thinks she’s ugly and needs to hit her head and get brain damage to think she’s pretty to develop the confidence needed to succeed??
‘This is so problematic in so many in so many ways I wanna die.’
Controversy: The plot revolves around Renee, played by Amy, who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy
Revolting and destructive: Another person hated that the movie ‘put girls against girls’
Disgusting narrative: Another tweet suggested that someone write a thread on why the film doesn’t have a good message
And the objections kept coming for Amy who was described as ‘conventionally attractive’ in a tweet.
The tweet said: ‘I Feel Pretty makes me so angry deep in my soul. I can’t even articulate why I hate it but it’s mostly can thin conventional attractive women stop pretending they are so fat and ugly and life is the most difficult for them. Have some perspective mate.’
The movie went so far as to make some people vomit as one Twitter user thought the plot was ‘revolting and destructive’.
The tweet said: ‘I just read the plot for I Feel Pretty and I just vomited in my mouth. It takes a head injury for someone to think their beautiful? And have confidence? Seriously??’
‘Playing pretty/ugly girl card is revolting and destructive. Putting girls against girls. F**k that s**t.’
And another called it ‘ableist b******t and a disgusting narrative’.
‘Well, this is ableist b******t. If anyone more capable than me wants to write a thread or piece on why this is such a disgusting narrative, have at it.’
Positive: The movie did get some nice comments from those who suggested they see the film before they pass judgement
Stoked: Another fan was excited to see the movie and thought the haters were ‘sideways’
Confusion: Another person tweeted that they were trying to find understanding in the backlash
However, there were some fans of film who took to social media to defend Amy and the movie.
One tweet said: ‘ I find it unfortunate that you have so many well-informed opinions about a move you haven’t seen yet. Also, Amy is one of the few women shaping her career as one who can carry a movie without a male lead. Maybe we should let her tell some stories before dragging her.’
And another fan tweeted her excitement over seeing the movie.
She said: ‘I, for one, am super f*****g stoked to see I Feel Pretty. You shaming the movie and it’s premise for being about someone who is not as ‘unattractive’ as you’d like is sideways to me on so many levels.’
And lastly, someone expressed their confusion over the fact that so many people were upset about Amy’s movie.
‘I’m trying to find some understanding in the backlash Amy Schumer is receiving for I Feel Pretty,’ the tweet said.
‘I am sure of one thing; women still continue to tear other women down without reason. We are striving for gender equality but taking steps back by not seting [sic] good example.’
Tough: People have said that just because Amy makes fun of herself, that doesn’t make it OK for her to poke fun at others with insecurity issues
Comedic genius: The directors for the film thought Amy’s comedic genius made her a perfect fit for the film
Although so far, the movie has mixed-reviews, the directors of the film , Marc Silverstein and Abby Kohn, believe it’s a movie that that showcases Amy’s ‘comedic genius’.
Amy’s comedic genius — a word we do not use lightly — made her an obvious, perfect fit for this role and our ultimate dream casting for Renee,’ the directors told People in a joint interview.
‘But equally important for this role was Amy’s ability to give herself over to this part completely and show us a vulnerability that I’m not sure she’s fully shown before.
‘We’ve all seen her fearlessness in her comedy but she is also fearless about exposing different sides of herself with a rawness that immediately draws everyone in.’
They added: ‘Studios aren’t making many romantic comedies of any kind — so there really isn’t much of a current batch! Which leaves people, I think, hungry for smart, funny movies that are actually about something, and rooted in characters and relationships that they can relate to.
‘And truthfully, we don’t really see this as a rom com – but because we have a female lead it tends to get categorized as such. We see it more like a throw back to high concept comedies like Big or Tootsie — but made modern by deliberately leaning into some of the tropes of those movies in order to upend them.’
I Feel Pretty hits theaters June 29.