The Melbourne International Film Festival decided to not screen the film at its 2020 festival, citing concerns raised by two forensic psychologists that it might "[normalise] sexual interest in children" and be "used as a source of arousal for men interested in child abuse material." The decision to remove the film from the festival line-up was denounced by film critics Peter Krausz, Tom Ryan and David Stratton, declaring it was artistic censorship.
The few nude scenes of Elli were all created via CGI with actress Lena Watson in a bikini and covered in dots. Director Sandra Wollner pointed out during an interview that she would never have had a minor running around naked on set.
The name Lena Watson is a pseudonym to hide the young actresses's real identity.
The controversial subject matter caused some people to walk out during the film's run at the 2020 Berlin Film Festival. Director Sandra Wollner said in an interview that didn't surprise her.
Elli/Emil is played by a 10-year old girl.