Surprising Age Gaps in Films and TV That We Can't Ignore

Peter O'Toole and Jodie Whittaker

Just when you thought Hollywood couldn’t push the boundaries of age differences in film, along comes *Venus*. This movie tells the story of a sexually charged friendship between Peter O’Toole, a dying writer, and Jodie Whittaker, who plays his friend’s niece. O’Toole’s character springs back to life after meeting her, and while he repeatedly makes advances, she keeps him at arm’s length

Despite their undeniable chemistry, the pair share a staggering fifty-year age gap—something the film glosses over as if it’s perfectly normal. But let’s be honest: is this really artsy and charming, or just plain weird? Hollywood often romanticizes unconventional relationships, but this one feels more unsettling than endearing. Why does the industry keep normalizing such dynamics? While the performances are strong, the premise raises eyebrows, leaving audiences questioning the message. Is this a commentary on aging and desire, or just another example of Hollywood’s questionable storytelling? Either way, it’s hard to ignore the awkwardness.