Film Review: “Fifty Shades Darker”

If you’re waiting for Mr. Grey to see you now, you might want to think twice. The newest addition to the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, “Fifty Shades Darker,” is an attempt to delve deeper into the darkly sensual lives of Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and the infamous Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan).

Though advertised with steamy scenes to redeem the previous film’s lackluster delivery, audiences may still find themselves waiting for the “wow” factor they were expecting.

After the events of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” director James Foley steps in to tell the next story in E.L James’ erotic romance series.

In “Fifty Shades Darker,” Anastasia finds herself single and nursing a fairly new career in the publishing industry. Not surprisingly, Christian Grey comes knocking at her door to win her back. The two agree to begin a relationship again, specifically to “renegotiate terms” and tend to the needs of Anastasia.

The film attempts to explore the deeper, more emotional sides of Christian Grey. The plot revolves around his past coming back to haunt both him and Anastasia.

Though hinted at by the trailers for the film, that aspect of the plot is much more prominent than the S&M one may expect to see when watching “Fifty Shades Darker”. Though the film does have its sexier moments, the focus is on the relationship, moving away from the themes of the first film.

As for the overall performances in “Fifty Shades Darker,” there was nothing Oscar, or even conversation worthy. Both Johnson and Dornan delivered a slightly below adequate performance. The chemistry between Johnson and Dornan was there, but on a minimal level.

Not that “Fifty Shades Darker” was intended to be the masterpiece of our time, but there are dull moments on camera that last just a tad too long. “Fifty Shades Darker” is by no means the worst movie in theaters at the moment, but it might be worth the time and money to wait for it to come out on Netflix. 

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