A new Netflix movie starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike has shot up the streaming platform's top 10 chart, despite receiving overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. The gender-swapped satire, titled Ladies First, premiered on May 22 and quickly secured the number two spot, positioning itself to potentially claim the top rank.
Plot and Premise
The film follows Damien Sachs, a douchebag businessman played by Sacha Baron Cohen, who is suddenly transported into a parallel world dominated by women. In this matriarchal society, he experiences firsthand the gender-based injustices that women have long faced, including medical misogyny and workplace harassment. The synopsis describes it as a story where 'an arrogant but charismatic ladies' man finds his life of money, power and casual flings upended when he wakes up in a parallel world dominated by women.' Rosamund Pike portrays his female boss, Alex, who subjects him to the same treatment he once doled out.
Critical Reception
Despite its swift rise in popularity, Ladies First has been panned by critics, earning a dismal 15% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Guardian awarded it one star, calling it 'unashamedly silly' but also 'incredibly, tiresomely un-fun and, by the end, laughably earnest.' The Financial Times wrote that the film 'only sometimes makes you wish the same for yourself,' referring to Cohen's character being knocked unconscious early on. ScreenRant criticized it as 'a comedy sketch premise stretched to feature length,' while the Daily Telegraph slammed its 'dreary plot.'
Audience Reactions
Viewer responses have been mixed. Some echoed the critics' disdain, with one user calling it 'archaic and predictable' and another declaring 'not a single second was redeemable.' Symone Z described it as 'a huge misfire and horribly embarrassing for a strong, usually dependable cast.' A user named CSRT remarked, 'If it's on Netflix…probably/most likely, gonna be absolute trash! It's a good premise for a movie, but executed absolutely horribly.' However, not all feedback was negative. Leo W praised the film for its 'funny, good acting' and noted that 'the movie may have satire but its spot on.' Autumn R called it a 'sharp, self-aware comedy that never takes itself too seriously.' One viewer, Lol D, shared a more relaxed perspective: 'It was light-hearted and fun. We went in with no expectations and had a few laughs along the way…'
Behind the Scenes
In an interview with Radio Times, Rosamund Pike discussed her approach to playing the female equivalent of a misogynist. 'All you have to do is just think what men would have done in these movies back in the day, or even now, or in real life,' she said. 'So this young actor comes on, and I get to be this sleazy older actor who gets to just kind of check him out and put my hand on his arse. I mean it's mad, because we've seen it the other way around… it's funny!'
Ladies First is now streaming on Netflix.
