You can now watch Netflix movies 1.5 times faster – and directors are furious

(Image credit: Riccosta / Shutterstock.com)

Netflix is testing a feature that lets you watch movies and TV shows at up to 1.5 times the normal speed – and the film industry isn't happy about it.

The option to tweak playback speed is currently being tested with Android users, reports Android Police. It lets viewers play videos between 0.5 and 1.5 times the usual speed.

The ability to view in slow-motion will be welcomed by eagle-eyed viewers who want to capture every moment of a scene, or for anyone wanting to check a minor detail. Alternatively, if you're pushed for time and looking to cram in as many episodes as possible into a weekend, faster playback will be a real boon.

Filmmakers fight back

Filmmakers, however, are not pleased. Angered auteurs include Peyton Reed, direct of Ant-Man, who expressed his frustration on Twitter.

Dear @Netflix, This is a terrible idea, and I and every director I know will fight against it. Sincerely,Peyton Reed https://t.co/iPq10ywKfzOctober 28, 2019

Reed isn't alone in his disapproval of Netflix's tinkering with artists' work. Actor Aaron Paul was similarly shocked, saying: "Stop. As the person talked about in this article I felt the need to speak out. There is NO WAY Netflix will move forward with this. That would mean they are completely taking control of everyone else’s art and destroying it. Netflix is far better than that. Am I right Netflix?"

Filmmaker and actor Judd Apatow didn't mince his words expressing his opinion of the idea, either.

No @Netflix no. Don’t make me have to call every director and show creator on Earth to fight you on this. Save me the time. I will win but it will take a ton of time. Don’t fuck with our timing. We give you nice things. Leave them as they were intended to be seen. https://t.co/xkprLM44oCOctober 28, 2019

It's important to note that, at the moment, this is not only limited to the Netflix Android app, but also that it is an experiment; it may not be around for long, and it ma not make its way to iOS and web users.

In a statement about the feature, Netflix said: "We're always experimenting with new ways to help members use Netflix. This test makes it possible to vary the speed at which people watch shows on their mobiles. As with any test, it may not become a permanent feature on Netflix".

It remains to be seen whether viewers like the idea of being able to speed through seasons of shows faster, or believe Netflix should stop playing with time.

The best TV streaming service 2019
Check out the competition and see the best Disney plus price

Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.

Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.

Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.

You can find her on Twitter and Mastodon.

Latest in Netflix