Why was Passengers controversial?

 The movie "Passengers" was controversial primarily due to its portrayal of a problematic ethical dilemma and the behavior of its main characters. Released in 2016, the film stars Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence as two passengers aboard a spaceship traveling to a distant planet. However, they are prematurely awakened from their hibernation pods, 90 years before their intended arrival time, due to a malfunction.

The controversy surrounding the movie stems from the actions of Chris Pratt's character, Jim Preston. After being awakened, Jim realizes he is destined to live the rest of his life alone on the spaceship. Feeling desperate and lonely, he makes the controversial decision to awaken Jennifer Lawrence's character, Aurora Lane, without her consent. He essentially condemns her to the same fate of spending the rest of her life onboard the ship against her will.

Critics and audiences argued that the film presented a disturbing scenario that romanticized or justified Jim's actions, essentially promoting non-consensual behavior. Some felt that the film glossed over the severity of Jim's decision and failed to adequately address the moral implications of his actions.

Another point of contention was the marketing of the film. The trailer and promotional material for "Passengers" presented it as a romantic sci-fi adventure, focusing heavily on the chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence's characters. However, many viewers felt deceived when they discovered the ethical dilemma at the heart of the plot, which was not explicitly revealed in the marketing.

The controversy surrounding "Passengers" highlighted the importance of consent and ethical considerations in storytelling. It sparked discussions about the portrayal of problematic behavior in films and the responsibility of filmmakers to address and contextualize such issues appropriately.