BDSM Books & Movies Beyond Fifty Shades of Grey
The Fifty Shades of Grey craze may be over, but if you’re still craving on-screen excitement, you’re in luck.
The BDSM world is vast, covering everything from bondage and discipline to dominance and submission. There are more movies exploring these themes than you might expect.
My list includes love triangles, emotional affairs, and plenty of chains and whips.
Bitter Moon is a 1992 erotic romantic thriller film directed by Roman Polanski
The film follows British couple; Nigel (Hugh Grant) and Fiona Dobson (Kristin Scott Thomas) on a Mediterranean cruise where they meet a captivating French woman named Mimi (Emmanuelle Seigner) and her older, disabled husband Oscar (Peter Coyote). As Nigel becomes fascinated by Mimi and Oscar’s tumultuous relationship, the story delves into themes of obsession, domination, and sadomasochism. Oscar narrates their journey from passionate love to dark fantasies, ultimately leading to a tragic and shocking climax onboard the cruise ship. The film explores the complexities of desire, power dynamics, and human connections in a gripping and provocative manner
9½ Weeks is a 1986 American erotic romantic drama film directed by Adrian Lyne
In “9 1/2 Weeks,” John (Mickey Rourke), a wealthy businessman, entices Elizabeth (Kim Basinger), a recently divorced art assistant, into a sensual but increasingly controlling sexual relationship. Their affair delves into erotic games and power dynamics, leaving Elizabeth emotionally entangled and ultimately questioning the unhealthy nature of their connection. As John’s mysterious past remains shrouded, Elizabeth’s dependence on him deepens until she reaches a breaking point, choosing to leave behind the intoxicating but destructive allure of their nine-and-a-half-week affair in the bustling city of New York.
“Venus in Fur” (French: La Vénus à la fourrure) is a French-language erotic drama film from 2013, helmed by director Roman Polanski. It’s an adaptation of the play by American playwright David Ives, which draws inspiration from Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s novel Venus in Furs.
The film Thomas Novacheck (Mathieu Amalric), a writer-director adapting “Venus in Furs” for the stage. During auditions, Vanda Jordan (Emmanuelle Seigner) arrives late but captivates Thomas with her audition skills. As they delve into the play’s themes of domination and submission, a power dynamic emerges, blurring lines between reality and fiction.
Nymphomaniac is a erotic art Two Part film written and directed by Lars von Trier.
Meet the star-studded cast of Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, Jean-Marc Barr, Willem Dafoe, Connie Nielsen, and Mia Goth. In this two-part film, follow Joe (played by Gainsbourg and Martin), a self-proclaimed “nymphomaniac,” as she shares her wild adventures with a sympathetic friend.
Brace yourself for eight chapters spanning her life, from youthful curiosity to mature reflections, all wrapped in an erotic and captivating narrative.
The Duke of Burgundy is a 2014 British erotic romance drama film written and directed by Peter Strickland.
The story revolves around the relationship between two women, Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen) and Evelyn (Chiara D’Anna), in an elegant but fictional European town. Cynthia is an older woman who dominates Evelyn in a series of sadomasochistic role-playing games. However, as their relationship progresses, Evelyn begins to desire a more equal partnership, leading to tension and shifts in power dynamics between the two women. The film delves into themes of control, desire, and intimacy, offering a nuanced exploration of BDSM dynamics within a romantic relationship.
Quills is a 2000 period film directed by Philip Kaufman and adapted from the Obie award-winning 1995 play by Doug Wright
During the French Reign of Terror, the Marquis de Sade, locked up in prison, writes stories about Mademoiselle Renard. He later encounters Mademoiselle Renard, a young aristocrat. Over time, the Marquis (Geoffrey Rush) faces challenges from Emperor Napoléon and clashes with Dr. Royer-Collard, who wants to silence him. Meanwhile, Madeleine LeClerc (Kate Winslet), assisting the Marquis, learns to read with the Abbé’s help. Various events unfold, including a scandalous play and Dr. Royer-Collard’s (Michael Caine) mistreatment of his bride Simone (Amelia Warner), leading to tragedy at Charenton asylum. The film explores themes of power, control, and artistic expression against a historical backdrop.
A Dangerous Method is a 2011 historical drama film directed by David Cronenberg.
In “A Dangerous Method,” set in the early 20th century around World War I, Keira Knightley stars as Sabina Spielrein, a student of Dr. Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender). Sabina has an unconventional view of pain and pleasure, which catches Jung’s attention. With approval from his colleague Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), Jung begins an affair with Sabina, delving into the complexities of human sexuality through a hands-on approach. As their relationship unfolds, intertwining professional dynamics with personal desires, the film explores the boundaries of psychoanalysis and the intricate connections between pain, pleasure, and intimacy during a transformative period in history. And yes, there’s plenty of spanking for those interested in that aspect of the story.
The Notorious Bettie Page is a 2005 American biographical drama film directed by Mary Harron.
The Notorious Bettie Page immerses viewers into the captivating life of pin-up model Bettie Page (Gretchen Mol), whose iconic photos brought BDSM into the public eye. This film unveils Bettie’s intriguing world as she poses as both dominatrix and submissive, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
The film delves into Bettie’s journey from a conservative upbringing to her daring exploration of sexuality and taboo themes. With her enigmatic allure and magnetic presence, Bettie tantalizes audiences and becomes an emblem of sexual liberation.
Belle de Jour is a 1967 French surrealist erotic psychological drama film directed by Luis Buñuel,
Séverine Serizy (Catherine Deneuve), plays a woman that is trapped in a conventional marriage yet yearns for sexual exploration and liberation. As Séverine’s desires grow increasingly intense, she embarks on a daring journey into the world of bondage and domination, seeking fulfillment and excitement outside the boundaries of her marriage. Discreetly navigating her double life as a sex worker at a prestigious brothel, Séverine indulges in forbidden fantasies and encounters a variety of clients who unlock hidden desires within her. With surrealistic touches and a captivating performance by Deneuve, “Belle de Jour” delves into themes of repression, desire, and the complexities of human sexuality, leaving viewers both aroused and intellectually engaged.
The Handmaiden is a 2016 South Korean historical psychological thriller film directed, co-written and co-produced by Park Chan-Wook.
The film is based on the novel “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters but is set in Korea during the 1930s under Japanese colonial rule.
The story revolves around a young Korean woman named Sookee (played by Kim Tae-ri), who is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko (played by Kim Min-hee). However, Sookee’s true motive is to help a conman named Count Fujiwara (played by Ha Jung-woo) seduce Lady Hideko, marry her, and then have her committed to an asylum in order to steal her fortune.
As Sookee becomes closer to Lady Hideko, their relationship takes unexpected turns, revealing hidden secrets and ulterior motives among all the characters. The film intricately explores themes of betrayal, desire, manipulation, and power dynamics, all set against the backdrop of a visually stunning and erotically charged narrative.
The Story of “O” is a 1975 erotic drama film directed by Just Jaeckin, based on the controversial novel of the same name by Pauline Réage (pseudonym of Anne Desclos).
The film follows the story of a young fashion photographer named O (played by Corinne Cléry) who is introduced to the world of sadomasochism by her lover René (played by Udo Kier).
O willingly submits herself to René’s desires and becomes involved in a series of increasingly intense and degrading sexual experiences, including bondage, dominance, and submission. René takes O to a mysterious chateau where she becomes the plaything of various men and women who engage in sadomasochistic acts.
Throughout the film, O’s journey into the world of BDSM explores themes of power dynamics, sexual liberation, and the blurred lines between pain and pleasure. It delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of submission and the complexities of human desire. The film’s explicit content and exploration of taboo subjects sparked controversy and debate upon its release but also gained a cult following among fans of erotic cinema.
Secretary is a 2002 American erotic romantic comedy-drama film directed by Steven Shainberg from a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson, based on the 1988 short story of the same name by Mary Gaitskill.
The movie stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway, a young woman who takes a job as a secretary for an attorney named E. Edward Grey, played by James Spader.
Lee is a shy and introverted individual with a history of self-harm, while Mr. Grey is a demanding and eccentric boss with particular preferences. As Lee settles into her new job, she discovers that Mr. Grey has a fascination with BDSM (bondage, dominance, submission, and masochism) and begins to explore these dynamics with him.
Their relationship evolves into a complex and unconventional romance as they navigate the boundaries of power and control in both professional and personal settings. Lee finds herself drawn to Mr. Grey’s dominant nature, and their interactions become increasingly erotic and intense.
The film sensitively portrays the dynamics of BDSM, exploring themes of consent, desire, and personal fulfillment. It delves into Lee’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she embraces her sexuality and learns to assert herself in her relationship with Mr. Grey.
“The Secretary” received critical acclaim for its unique approach to romance and sexuality, as well as for the performances of Gyllenhaal and Spader. It has since become a cult classic among fans of unconventional love stories and exploration of BDSM themes in cinema.
So there you have it! Exploring BDSM movies beyond “Fifty Shades of Grey” has been quite the eye-opener, hasn’t it? From the timeless allure of “Story of O” to the modern charm of “The Secretary,” each film brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just curious about this intriguing world, these movies offer a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of desire and human connection. So, grab some snacks, cue up your favorites, and enjoy the ride—it’s bound to be a memorable one!
