Gal Gadot's New Film Sparks Divided Reactions Online

Gal Gadot's latest film, "Bereshet Neged HaZman" (translated as "Racing Against Time"), released on Amazon Prime, has ignited a wave of online debate regarding her acting abilities and the reasons behind the criticism.

A short clip from the movie, shared on X by a user named KAY, garnered millions of views and sparked a discussion with the assertion that Gadot "doesn't know how to act." This sentiment was echoed by some users, with one commenter suggesting she received the role solely due to her Jewish identity. However, a significant number of users defended Gadot, with many arguing that criticism against her is amplified due to her support for her home country, Israel.

"Racing Against Time" features Gadot as Maya Martin, a lawyer and single mother whose son is kidnapped during her morning run. The plot involves her racing through London to save him without involving the police. The film currently holds a low 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest of Gadot's career.

While some critics found Gadot's performance emotionally stiff or lacking warmth, others noted her athletic prowess suited the action-heavy role. Reviewers for RogerEbert.com suggested the script limited her performance, while The Hollywood Reporter praised her athletic presence. Critics for Variety and The Guardian were less impressed, with the latter describing her performance as "emotionally completely stiff."

Supporters pointed to other successful Hollywood actors with limited acting range, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, suggesting Gadot's casting, like theirs, is often based on physical suitability for action roles. Some also argued that the criticism is unfairly linked to her Israeli heritage and perceived political stance, especially in a climate of rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment globally. Film critic Scott Mendelson also weighed in, observing a shift in how Hollywood treats Gadot, from initial celebration to current criticism, suggesting it reflects the industry's tendency to discard individuals when they are no longer deemed useful.