Netflix viewers have reacted strongly to the series Supersex, raising questions about the limits of mainstream entertainment.
Many expressed feeling “sickened” by the graphic scenes and threatened to cancel their subscriptions.
The series is based on the life of Rocco Siffredi, an Italian adult film star who has appeared in over 1,300 adult films during his career. He is portrayed by Italian actor Alessandro Borghi.
Supersex follows Rocco’s journey from his humble beginnings in Ortona, central Italy, to becoming known as “the godfather of rough s*x.”
One of the most controversial scenes occurs at his mother’s funeral, where he engages in a sexual act with one of her friends.
Viewers quickly shared their opinions on the seven-episode Netflix series.
One viewer commented, “I watched Supersex, and it was compelling and interesting — until episode six. It became appalling, disrespectful, and unnecessary. I’m referring to the cemetery scene. Before that, I would have given it a thumbs up. It’s so messed up.”
Another wrote: “Yes, I know, complaining about too many sex scenes in Supersex is like complaining about too many car chases in Fast & Furious. But seriously, maybe a few less.”
The lead actor described the series as “absolutely the most complicated thing I’ve ever made” and revealed he filmed 50 s*x scenes in just 95 days, according to the Italian news outlet Today.
Rocco himself addressed the controversy, commenting on the impact of the show.
When asked if viewers would be shocked, he replied, “For sure. I never, ever hide a part of myself. I always show everything. You either like it, or you don’t. This is who I am; I could never be me without revealing everything about myself.”
He continued, “The part of me shown on Netflix is the side most people don’t know. It’s about how I grew up, the experiences in my life, from childhood to where I am now. This is the true Rocco, not just the one you see in front of the camera, naked.”
Though Netflix rated the series for viewers aged 18 and over, this didn’t stop many from expressing discomfort and outrage, calling the content “inappropriate.”
This isn’t Netflix’s first attempt to push boundaries, with films like 365 Days and Money Shot: The Pornhub Story also stirring societal debates.