Aloha: The Controversial Romance Movie Starring Emma Stone and Bradley Cooper is Coming to Netflix!
Get ready, Netflix subscribers! This September, a movie that stirred both hearts and controversy is landing on the platform: Aloha.
Aloha, a 2015 romantic drama directed by Cameron Crowe, is set to make its Netflix debut on September 1st. The film stars an impressive lineup including Emma Stone, Bradley Cooper, Rachel McAdams, Alec Baldwin, Bill Murray, and John Krasinski. Despite its stellar cast, Aloha made headlines not just for its plot, but also for the uproar surrounding its casting choices.
Aloha’s Plot: Romance in Paradise
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii, Aloha follows military contractor Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper) as he returns to the islands for a high-stakes mission. Amid his professional duties, Gilcrest is caught in a love triangle between his former flame (Rachel McAdams) and the charming Air Force liaison, Allison Ng (Emma Stone). The film blends romance with drama, offering a bittersweet story of love, loss, and self-discovery.
The Controversy: Aloha’s Whitewashing Debate
When Aloha hit theaters, it wasn’t just the romance that got people talking. The casting of Emma Stone as Allison Ng, a character of part-Chinese and part-Hawaiian descent, sparked accusations of whitewashing. Critics and audiences alike questioned the decision to cast a white actress in a role meant to represent a person of color, reigniting debates about representation in Hollywood.
The controversy overshadowed much of the film’s release, leading to a dismal 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, amidst the backlash, Stone’s performance, along with Cooper’s, was praised for bringing warmth and charm to their roles.
Revisiting Aloha: A Reflection on Hollywood’s Evolution
As Aloha prepares to hit Netflix, it presents a unique opportunity for viewers to revisit this film with fresh eyes. In a time when the rom-com genre is seeing a resurgence and Hollywood is (slowly) improving on diversity, Aloha stands as a complex case study. It’s a film that, while flawed, reflects the changing tides in the industry. Whether you’re here for the romance, the controversy, or simply to see two of Hollywood’s biggest stars in action, Aloha is worth another look.
Don’t miss out – Aloha lands on Netflix this Sunday, September 1st!