A recent Qantas flight from Sydney to Japan drew criticism after the airline inadvertently screened an R-rated film starring Dakota Johnson, prompting concerns about suitable in-flight viewing. The Dakota Johnson in-flight movie controversy began when the drama “Daddio” was shown to all passengers due to a technical issue with the entertainment system.
Unexpected Film Choice Causes Onboard Discomfort
Selecting movies for in-flight entertainment typically prioritizes broad appeal to accommodate families and travelers of all ages. Long flights often provide passengers the opportunity to watch new releases or catch up on films in a confined setting. However, the collective nature of shared screenings can become problematic if the chosen movie contains mature themes.
Most travelers who prepare ahead of time can choose their own entertainment or access content using in-flight Wi-Fi. Yet, on this occasion, Qantas was unable to offer individualized options, resulting in a single film being shown for the entire cabin. This scenario can be reminiscent of a movie theater experience, but with added awkwardness if the material isn’t appropriate for every audience member.
How “Daddio” Ended Up Playing on the Flight
The incident took place when technical challenges disrupted the Qantas flight’s ability to provide personal entertainment screens. Crew members opted to screen “Daddio,” a drama starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn, not fully aware of its adult content. The film’s inclusion of strong language, sexual references, and some graphic scenes made it unsuitable for a mixed-age audience.
Qantas addressed the incident after it drew attention.
“The movie was clearly not suitable to play for the whole flight, and we sincerely apologise to customers for this experience,”
a spokesperson for Qantas told The Guardian,
“All screens were changed to a family-friendly movie for the rest of the flight.”
The crew’s unfamiliarity with “Daddio” was understandable, as the film had a relatively low profile, debuting to mixed reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 before distribution by Sony Pictures Classics. Unlike other films from the distributor that pursued major awards campaigns, “Daddio” received a limited summer release and did not generate significant buzz.
Response from Passengers and Context of the Film
While film enthusiasts on board may have been appreciative of seeing an independent film, parents with children were likely less enthused by the content. “Daddio” unfolds entirely within a taxi, focusing on conversations between Dakota Johnson’s character and her older driver, played by Sean Penn. The dialogue-driven drama explores personal topics, including sexual relationships, and features frequent profanity. Although critics praised the chemistry between the two leads, the themes and language made the film a questionable choice for broad audiences confined to an airplane for hours.
Families on board found themselves covering the ears of their kids as the film played. The decision to screen an obscure, adult-oriented film rather than established family-friendly options from Marvel or Pixar highlighted the risks of shared entertainment systems that lack flexibility, especially when young flyers are present. Considering the nature of other Dakota Johnson films such as “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Suspiria,” or “The Lost Daughter,” some believe the situation could have been far more controversial if another title with even more adult content had been selected.
Looking Ahead: Revisiting In-Flight Entertainment Policies
The Dakota Johnson in-flight movie controversy has underscored the importance of appropriate content curation in shared viewing scenarios on airplanes. Qantas’s prompt switch to a family-friendly program after realizing their mistake, and their apology to customers, suggests attentiveness to passenger feedback. Going forward, airlines may reconsider how in-flight films are chosen, especially when individual screen options are not available. As travelers expect environments suitable for all ages, ensuring the right entertainment is vital to avoid incidents that generate discomfort or negative attention among flyers.
