However, it's also a powerful film about first love and first loss. In these real ways, 'Blue is the Warmest Color' is problematic. This feeling was enhanced when stars Exarchopoulos and Seydoux spoke out in an interview with The Daily Beast about their negative experiences making the film, which left them feeling taken advantage of.

Many queer viewers - including Maroh - have criticized the film for its male gaze, particularly in its sex scenes (per Autostraddle).