Gal Gadot Faces Politicized Criticism Due to Israeli Identity

Following the recent release of her new film "Borrowed Time" on Amazon Prime, Israeli actress Gal Gadot has again been subjected to a wave of harsh online criticism, with reviews labeling her performance "flat" and the script "far-fetched." This follows a similar pattern from last year when her role as the Evil Queen in Disney's "Snow White" faced backlash after the film's box office failure.

The article argues that the criticism directed at Gadot is not purely artistic but is deeply rooted in her identity as an Israeli. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, the international discourse has become a battleground where Israeli identity is attacked. Gadot, as a prominent Israeli figure in Hollywood who served in the IDF and publicly supported Israel, is seen as a major symbol and a target for anti-Israel activists and boycott movements.

This "modern boycott" against Gadot is described as subtle and sophisticated, manifesting through organized "review bombing" campaigns that flood rating sites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes with one-star reviews before films are even watched. It also includes biased media coverage that imposes unrealistic acting standards on her, standards not applied to male action stars. Furthermore, there are calls for her films to be ignored at the box office to create a narrative that she is no longer profitable.

The author expresses frustration that some Israelis join in the criticism, failing to recognize that Gadot is facing this backlash partly on their behalf. This is attributed to a "tall poppy syndrome" and a lack of appreciation for her significant career built through charisma, hard work, and screen presence. The piece concludes that the criticism of Gadot has transcended cinema and become a political loyalty test, one that she continues to face with her head held high, despite the turbulent reception.