In the realm of erotic thrillers, films are increasingly embracing a sex-positive narrative. However, some productions maintain deeply problematic themes, exemplified by the controversial 2020 Netflix film 365 Days. Adapted from Blanka Lipińska’s novel, this Polish film features Michele Morrone as Massimo Torricelli, a mafia leader who kidnaps Laura Biel, portrayed by Anna-Maria Sielucka. His plan? To keep her captive for a year until she professes her love for him. Although 365 Days is often critiqued for its troubling premise, the trilogy garners attention for its explicit scenes and polarizing themes.
As the first installment of a trilogy, 365 Days has sparked considerable debate, and rightly so. My concerns do not stem from its overt sexual content but rather from its alarming storyline. The film is steeped in themes of sexual violence, toxic masculinity, and underlying misogyny, often romanticizing the abusive dynamics between Massimo and Laura. A particular scene, widely discussed online, draws attention to these issues—the infamous boat scene, where their complex relationship takes a troubling turn.
The 365 Days Boat Scene: A Disturbing Portrayal of Abuse & Misogyny
Laura’s Apology: A Sign of Troubling Dynamics
The contentious scene unfolds on Massimo’s yacht, where a heated argument arises after Laura flirts with a rival mobster. Following an attempted sexual assault against Laura, Massimo resorts to violence, killing the assailant and subsequently blaming Laura for the confrontation. The aggression escalates as Massimo physically asserts his dominance, leading to a harsh confrontation where Laura fights back only to fall overboard.
Massimo jumps in to save her, bringing her back to safety where she regains consciousness to hear him express a twisted gratitude: “I’m so grateful that you’re alive. But at the same time, I wanna kill you.” Further worsening the situation, he questions her disobedience, prompting Laura to apologize for her resistance. This moment culminates in her initiating sexual activity with him, representing a deeply troubling normalization of abusive behavior.
While social media users have mocked this scene, the backlash it received was genuine and profound. Many voiced their outrage at the underlying misogynistic themes. One Reddit user lamented, “The fact that this movie is making abuse, assault, and Stockholm Syndrome look appealing is disgusting.”Another commented:
“I actually found most of the passionate scenes extremely off-putting given the film’s propensity to frame the male and female lead as sexy bantering rivals rather than, you know, a kidnapper and his f***ing kidnapping victim.”
Controversy Surrounding the Sex Scenes in 365 Days
Misconceptions About the Nature of the Scenes
Beyond the infamous yacht confrontation, numerous sex scenes throughout 365 Days have elicited controversy. Many viewers speculated whether these intimate moments were unsimulated, leading to debates about their believability. However, the creators and cast have asserted that no actual sexual acts occurred during filming.
Cinematographer Bartek Cierlica, in a 2020 interview with Variety, explained their approach to these scenes:
“We wanted this sex to be pretty authentic. We wanted the viewer to hear their whispers, heavy breaths, and show the sweat, passion—be natural, authentic, but not to cross the border of pornography.”
Early in the film, another controversial scene depicts a flight attendant performing oral sex on Massimo during a flight. Although this moment may appear realistic, it too was simulated. In an interview, Morrone discussed the use of prosthetics and how the awkward nature of filming had crew members laughing nervously (as reported by Plotek).
The 365 Days Franchise: What Lies Ahead?
Riding on the waves of its success, Netflix released the sequel, 365 Days: This Day, in 2022. Following her marriage, Laura feels increasingly lonely as Massimo prioritizes work, leading her to develop feelings for the gardener Nacho, played by Simone Sussina—who is later revealed to be the offspring of Massimo’s mafia rival. This sequel delivers unexpected twists that keep viewers guessing.
The trilogy’s third film, The Next 365 Days, was released shortly after the second installment. Interestingly, this sequel retcons the prior film’s ending, bringing Laura back from what seemed like a fatal conclusion at the start of the new narrative. As she grapples with her feelings for Nacho, Massimo discovers the affair, leading Laura to an impossible choice between the two men. The climax ends on a cliffhanger, leaving her decision unresolved.
Although the ending hints at potential future developments, there are currently no plans for a fourth film. The absence of a fourth book from the original author casts doubt on the reality of another installment. However, there remains a possibility that the filmmakers may collaborate with Lipińska on an original story or an adaptation of forthcoming material. Until then, fans of the franchise will have to wait and wonder about the fate of 365 Days.