Netflix's Rim of The World is being called out for 'racist' jokes in the movie

30 May 2019, 18:50

Nicky Idika

By Nicky Idika

'Rim of The World' on Netflix is being criticised for problematic stereotypes and jokes about Black and Asian people.

Netflix viewers have criticised the platform's latest sci-fi thriller, Rim of The World, for jokes and stereotypes deemed to be problematic by some. Rim of The World tells the story of a group of kids at a summer camp who team up to save the world when an alien invasion hits Earth.

Viewers are calling the film "racist" and "cringy" for jokes and stereotypical depictions of Black and Asian characters. In particular people have called out comments and jokes made to an Asian character named ZhenZhen.

In one scene, the main character Alex addresses ZhenZhen in Mandarin and the film's subtitles refer to her as "fair princess" for no good reason. Another moment sees a camp counselor (played by Vine star Kingbach) yell and gesture wildly because he assumes ZhenZhen cannot speak English.

Netflix Rim of the World review
Netflix Rim of the World review. Picture: Netflix/Screenshot
Netflix Rim of the World screenshot
Netflix Rim of the World screenshot. Picture: Netflix/Screenshot

Some viewers have reacted strongly, calling out the way other characters spoke to and treated ZhenZhen early on in the film.

The film's apparent comic relief, Dariush, was also a point of contention for some.

The first time we meet the character of Dariush, he is literally dancing to Lil' Pump's "Esketit" while wearing a gold chain and silk two-piece. Viewers expressed the belief that the Black people on screen were being portrayed as "caricatures".

Rim of the World Netflix
Rim of the World Netflix. Picture: Netflix/Screenshot

Aside from complaints about problematic jokes and stereotypes in the film, people also called out the fact that the cast was so young and yet the dialogue was overly sexual in some parts.

What do you guys think? Have you seen Netflix's Rim of the World?