Netflix‘s latest star-studded drama, Ladies First, has been branded “utter rubbish” after landing a meagre 13 per cent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Landing on the streamer over the bank holiday weekend, the film stars Rosamund Pike and Sacha Baron Cohen and takes on a Barbie-esque premise. Directed by Thea Sharrock (Wicked Little Letters, The Beautiful Game), the logline reads: “A ladies man finds his life upended when he wakes up in a parallel world dominated by women.
“With the rules of engagement changed, he goes head-to-head with a fiery female colleague in a playful satire about what happens when the script is flipped.”
Ladies First is a remake of the 2018 French romcom I Am Not an Easy Man and, despite storming the charts to become one of Netflix’s most-watched films, it has left viewers and critics hugely divided.
What have viewers said about Ladies First?
The film has proven more popular with viewers than critics, earning a 65 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes despite its 13 per cent critics’ rating.
In its one-star review, The Guardian wrote: “A misogynist is made to learn the error of his ways in this painfully dated and embarrassingly star-packed sexism comedy.”
© Rob Youngson/NetflixMeanwhile, The Telegraph penned: “A bounty of familiar British faces throw themselves into the concept, but a dreary plot dooms Ladies First to Netflix dregs,” while Variety added: “Rather than stirring a debate, or even inspiring deeper cultural introspection, Sharrock and her collaborators deliver a trifle.”
Despite the frosty critical response, plenty of viewers praised the movie. One fan wrote: “Ladies First was an absolute must-see! The movie was emotional, inspiring, and beautifully made from start to finish,” while another said: “It’s one of my new favourites! What a brilliant way to bring to light, in a funny way, the absolutely ridiculous norms that women still have to put up with in today’s society.”
© Rob Youngson/NetflixHowever, others sided with the critics, with one viewer commenting: “I am truly overwhelmed how this made it to the screen. If I said it was utter rubbish, I would be being polite! I have no words how awful it was.”
What happens in Ladies First?
The film centres around Damien Sachs (Sacha Baron Cohen), a man who seemingly has it all: money, power and a never ending stream of casual flings.
The synopsis reads: “As he prepares to ascend to the role of CEO at a leading advertising agency, his life is turned upside down when he wakes up in his worst nightmare: a parallel world dominated by women.
© Rob Youngson/Netflix“Where he once ruled the boardroom, he now finds himself humbled and going head-to-head with the newly fierce and fearless Alex Fox (Rosamund Pike).
“With the rules of engagement changed and Alex at the top of her game, the two boldly battle it out in a playful and satirical comedy about what happens when the script is flipped.”
Who stars in Ladies First?
The cast is stacked with star-studded names, led by Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, I Care a Lot) and Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat, The Trial of the Chicago 7) and including Charles Dance (The Crown, Game of Thrones), Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve, True Detective) and Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Gosford Park).
They’re joined by Emily Mortimer (Paddington in Peru), Tom Davis (Wonka, Paddington 2), Kathryn Hunter (Poor Things) and Paul Chahidi (This Country).
© Rob Youngson/NetflixRounding out the cast are Weruche Opia (I May Destroy You, Genius: MLK/X), Kadiff Kirwan (Slow Horses, This Is Going To Hurt) and Bill Paterson (Fleabag).
Ladies First is available to watch on Netflix now.
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