Kendall Jenner faces backlash over Vogue World short-film performance

Kendall Jenner is drawing fresh scrutiny over her performance in Vogue World’s upcoming short film, Love, Interrupted. The 39-second clip, released on social media, shows the 29-year-old model dancing in the rain with model and actor Matthew Noszka as part of Vogue World Hollywood’s celebration ahead of the October 26 premiere.

In the clip, Jenner is directed to 'act like you’re in love' as the pair move through a rain-drenched street in front of an old Hollywood cinema. Close-up shots show Noszka caressing Jenner’s face while water pours down, then a wider view reveals a film crew and a rain-drenched set. Jenner wears a sky-blue silk dress with small capped sleeves, a collar and black buttons, paired with white pointed heels; Noszka is seen in black pants and a white shirt. A voice off-camera cues 'Hold the rain' before the couple parts and Jenner delivers a celebratory jump as the screen cuts to a Vogue World Hollywood logo and the date October 26, 2025.

Reaction online has been swift and pointed. Critics on social platforms argued Jenner lacked emotional depth for the romantic moment. A Reddit thread cited 'Is Mama Kris trying to get her an acting career since she's nowhere to be found on the runway?' while others wrote, 'There's no thought behind those eyes,' and 'Zero chemistry' with Noszka. Several posts mocked the intensity of the moment, questioning why Jenner was chosen for an acting project and whether the collaboration plays to Noszka’s strength while leaving Jenner underwhelming on screen.

Vogue World, described by organizers as a live fashion event that blends fashion, arts and cinema to celebrate the host city and support local causes, is highlighting the intersection of film and fashion this year. Promotional material frames the clip as part of a broader program that promises 'the rich conversation between film and fashion, centering the most inspiring characters in cinema history.' The event’s social media tease invites audiences to watch Jenner and Noszka step into character, suggesting the release is part of a larger showcase of style, drama and 'movie magic' set for October 26.

Promotional materials for the clip also included the caption 'Watch Kendall Jenner and Matthew Noszka step into character, giving you a taste of the high style, high drama, and movie magic to come on October 26,' aligning with Vogue World's cross-media push.

Meanwhile, Jenner has spoken about other ambitions beyond modeling. In an early September interview with Vogue, she revealed an interest in designing houses and said she could drop everything to pursue that work. 'I'm not kidding,' she told Vogue, adding that she is currently building a home out West and that she would let a trusted designer decorate her space. The remarks underscore Jenner’s broader brand ambitions beyond runway and red-carpet appearances.

Industry observers frame the short film as part of Jenner’s evolving public profile and Vogue World’s broader strategy to blend fashion with other forms of storytelling. While some fans welcomed the cross-media collaboration, others emphasized that the project may test Jenner’s versatility and raised questions about marketing decisions in the current celebrity-driven entertainment landscape. Vogue World remains scheduled to run its October events, with Love, Interrupted serving as a focal point for discussions about the relationships between modeling, acting and fashion-driven storytelling.