The teen movie that was a smash hit on Netflix despite criticism

In the current film landscape, adaptations of Wattpad novels are on the rise—and the Spanish film “Bad Influence” appears as an interesting case when mixing romantic drama and thriller. Released worldwide on Netflix on May 9, 2025.

Is commercial success different from critical approval?

The “Bad Influence” phenomenon on Netflix shows the strength of fan communities for digital literary works, but it also highlights the challenge of adapting successful books. The film achieved excellent viewing figures, but was harshly evaluated by critics, especially with regard to originality and chemistry between the protagonists Eléa Rochera and Alberto Olmo.

Criticism of the excessive use of clichés from the young adult universe and the unconvincing interaction of the main couple divided opinions between public and critics, highlighting the difficulty of transforming audience into artistic recognition.

What elements weaken the adaptation of the forbidden novel?

The plot follows Reese Russell, a threatened heiress, and her relationship with Eros Douglas, a bodyguard with a mysterious past. Many viewers considered the couple’s development to be forced, which compromised the emotion intended by the script.

Furthermore, the promise of uniting romance and suspense in an intriguing way was not fully fulfilled, as the lack of depth in the characters resulted in a narrative experience that was less engaging than that of the book.

What is innovative about the youth thriller and what challenges did the production face?

Director Chloé Wallace sought to update the narrative of youth thrillers by bringing a new look to the genre. However, according to critics, the integration of the elements did not always occur naturally, damaging the final result.

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Below, we list some of the points most debated by critics and the public about the film’s attempts at innovation, as well as the main challenges faced in the adaptation:

• Script considered accelerated and melodramatic
• Attempts to maintain the book’s intensity were not well received
• Search for creativity, but without escaping repetitive formulas

The challenges of expectations in Wattpad story adaptations

Adapting a famous Wattpad narrative is always risky, as the public expects to see on the screen what they idealized while reading. “Má Influence” exemplifies how difficult it is to balance authenticity and expectations in the face of both fans and demanding critics.

In the end, the film shows that large audience numbers do not guarantee critical success. Investing in solid scripts and well-developed characters is essential for future adaptations that aim to please audiences and critics.