‘Normal People’s’ Sex Scenes Irk Some Viewers For Being Too Much Like ‘Porno’
Image via moonnoor / Shutterstock.com
Hulu and the BBC’s adaptation of Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel, Normal People, has become quite the saucy show, thanks to its raunchy sex scenes.
The show features stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, and follows the turbulent relationship of characters Connel and Marianne Sheridan. The drama has gained traction among viewers due to its cinematography, dreamy landscape, and sex scenes.
As with most intimate scenes on television, these might be too awkward to watch with your parents. The graphic scenarios have, unfortunately, sparked criticism, and some have likened it to a “porno movie.”
People called in to Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s radio show Liveline, complaining to host Joe Duffy that the scenes were “something you would expect to see in a porno movie.” One caller lamented, “It’s filthy and I won’t be watching the rest of it.”
Despite the fury, some callers defended the series. One Twitter user wrote, “Sex is many things but it is not a sin and it not shameful. That kind of thinking destroyed so many lives in this country.”
Director of the film Lenny Abrahamson, however, paid little attention to the contention. In fact, he welcomed the controversy and responded to the Liveline episode positively. In a tweet, he thanked Steve Fanagan for a sketch of Duffy looking stressed as he took on the negative calls that came through.
A clip of the heated debate can be seen in a tweet from RTÉ below. If you wish to listen to the full segment, which includes opinions from both sides of the debate, head over here.
In case you missed it, here's a recap of yesterday's heated debate on #Liveline about new series, #NormalPeople 🔥
— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) May 1, 2020
What do you think of the show?@rteliveline pic.twitter.com/pDvouobdCS
Look what just arrived. Thank you so much @stevefanagan What a great gift. @rteliveline pic.twitter.com/aJJoeWIrR4
— lenny abrahamson (@lennyabrahamson) May 10, 2020
Catherine - The Commandments are there to protect oneself and she feels sorry for the young girl in Normal People.
— Liveline (@rteliveline) April 30, 2020
- If someone has sex in a relationship it changes the relationship. #liveline@joeliveline
A caller in a state of incredulous shock that Normal People portrayed a 17 year old driving a car, and going to a pub #liveline
— Ellen Coyne (@ellenmcoyne) April 30, 2020
I'm convinced most liveline callers are ringing from an alternate dimension
— Step up Not out (@Shelkybean) April 30, 2020
A woman on liveline saying it was unrealistic that a 17 year old would be in the pub, having sex, or driving a car I am SKITTING
— Adele (@nothefamousone) April 30, 2020
Catholic Ireland's alive and well and O'Leary is listening to Liveline eating crisps
Joe - What's the male equivalent of slut?
— Alison Spittle (@AlisonSpittle) April 30, 2020
Tommy - I dunno a dickhead?#liveline pic.twitter.com/GTH5R7a6BT
Sex is many things but it is not a sin and it is not shameful. That kind of thinking destroyed so many lives in this country. Time to grow-up and divest ourselves of it. Young people in particular deserve better #Liveline #NormalPeople
— Mary McGill (@missmarymcgill) April 30, 2020
Absolutely loved all 12 episodes of #NormalPeople It was so honest, realistic and refreshing. If some people were uncomfortable with what they saw in the first 2 episodes, they're in for a real treat when they see the rest 😉 #Liveline
— Anna Hurley (@annahurleycork) May 1, 2020
[via Newsweek, opening image via Hulu]
