Why is Blonde with Ana de Armas rated NC-17?

Netflix recently released the first teaser for its upcoming Marilyn Monroe movie Blond with Ana de Armas. release this September, Blond has been the subject of controversy since its inception as there were rumors that it had received the storied “NC-17” rating.

The film is the first official Netflix original film to have an NC-17 rating, although the platform has previously hosted films with that rating. Blond Writer-director Andrew Dominik hasn’t been shy about his feelings about the film and its content.

There was some back and forth between Dominik and Netflix in the early days regarding the content of the film, but in the end Dominik didn’t want to cut anything and Netflix relented.

Speaking to Screen Daily earlier this year, Dominik said: “It’s an NC-17 film about Marilyn Monroe, it’s kind of what you want, isn’t it? I want to watch the NC-17 version of Marilyn Monroe’s story.”

One of the most widespread rumors regarding the film’s rating is that there is a scene where Marilyn Monroe (played by Ana de Armas) receives oral sex while she is menstruating. Dominik debunked this rumor, calling it “hilarious.” But what is the real reason for the film’s rating?

Why is Blonde with Ana de Armas rated NC-17?

The teaser is vague about the reasons for the age rating. All it says is “some sexual content”. Given that NC-17 is a very unusual rating, we know there must be more to it.

There is a rape scene in the film. Blond is based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates and tells the inner workings of Marilyn Monroe. The novel is intended as fiction and not as a biography. As in the film, a rape scene is present. It’s a complex book that deals with very heavy subjects including abuse, drug use, abortion, graphic sex, addiction and more.

Aside from the attack, we can safely assume that the film will contain explicit sex scenes and nudity, which would push the film towards an NC-17 rating. As the film gets closer to its release date, we’ll likely know more details.

Blond will be released on Netflix on September 23, 2022.