Qatar Bans 'It Ends With Us' Film

The film 'It Ends With Us', starring Blake Lively and directed by Justin Baldoni, has been banned from theatrical release in Qatar due to its kissing scenes, as confirmed by the country's Censorship Committee. The movie, which addresses serious themes such as domestic violence and generational trauma, is based on Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel and has a PG-13 rating. Qatar's strict censorship policies have previously led to the banning of other films, including 'Barbie' and 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness', often targeting those with LGBTQ references. Despite its ban in Qatar, the film opened strongly in the U.S., earning $7 million in Thursday previews and is projected to gross between $40-50 million over its opening weekend. The film's content, including non-graphic sex scenes, has drawn attention but ultimately the ban highlights Qatar's conservative social norms. The ongoing censorship of films in Qatar reflects broader regional trends affecting cinematic releases in Middle Eastern countries.