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

Alexander Skarsgård and Bel Powley

Another example of an uncomfortable age gap in movie history appears in *The Diary of a Teenage Girl*. Bel Powley, who was twenty-three at the time, plays a fifteen-year-old girl, creating a noticeable disconnect between the actor and the character. The plot centers on the teenage girl’s obsession with losing her virginity, which leads to an affair with her mother’s boyfriend, played by Alexander Skarsgård. The sixteen-year age difference between the actors adds another layer of unease to the already controversial storyline

Critics argue that the film’s concept could be interpreted as a celebration of pedophilia, raising ethical questions about its portrayal of such sensitive themes. This movie doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable moments, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of discomfort. How does Hollywood justify casting adults in teenage roles, especially when the subject matter is so delicate? The film’s unsettling nature sparks important conversations about responsibility in storytelling and the impact of age gaps on audience perception.