Why couldn't the role have been male? Is it somehow more tasteful if its Cate Blanchett?

Film looks interesting, but this review is got me up in arms a bit. It would never be OK to tell this story with a male lead, much less lauded. Why is it not acceptable for a man to be both good and bad?

https://slate.com/culture/2022/10/tar-cate-blanchett-movie-cancel-culture-ending-meaning.html