Film review: Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades Darker sees director James Foley take the controversial yet immensely popular Fifty Shade of Grey franchise down a darker and more suspenseful path.
Although it canât entirely resolve problems with the original source material â the EL Jamesâ novels based on the abusive relationship between publisherâs assistant Anastasia Steele (played by Dakota Johnson) and wealthy sadist Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) â the second film is certainly an improvement on the first.
Fifty Shades Darker is richer in story-telling, with the plot bringing in three external threats to Anastasia and Christianâs second attempt at a relationship: thereâs Elena Lincoln (Kim Basinger), the older woman who introduced Christian to the world of dominants and submissives at just 15 years old; Leila (played by Australian Bella Heathcote), the mentally unstable ex, and Annaâs new boss, Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson).
Lives are at stake, and it makes for far more interesting tension than the âwill she or wonât she sign the BDSM contract?â plotline in Fifty Shades of Grey. This time, the premise is:Â No Rules, No Punishments, No Secrets.
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There is also more character development (although it could be better). Fifty Shades Darker sees Christian becoming more fun, open and compromising; Anna shakes some of her pliant demeanour to show a more assertive and confident side (while still fighting Christian for control â and losing the small battles as often as she wins).
The lines of consent are once again blurred and sometimes destroyed. But surprisingly, it is not Christian who is the worst offender.
The ridiculously exorbitant gifts, glamorous locations and thrilling costumes â especially at the extravagant masquerade ball â donât compensate for the many awkward interactions, poorly timed scenes and unrealistic portrayals (such as Annaâs new job at a book publishing company) which serve the erotic and capitalistic fantasy.
But there are also plenty of jokes, steamy sex scenes featuring the same elegance of the first movie, and a moment or two of real emotion. If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, youâll likely enjoy the next instalment in the series.
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