Fifty Shades Darker (2017)
118 min · Romance, Drama, Thriller
Even more roundly dismissed than the original, critics noted the film added a stalker subplot that went nowhere while removing all dramatic tension.
The Bottom Reel's take
When we dive into the murky depths of cinematic ambition gone awry, few sagas offer quite the spectacle of the *Fifty Shades* franchise. And with 2017's *Fifty Shades Darker*, we found ourselves watching a film that, much like its predecessor, aimed for steamy, high-stakes romance, but instead delivered something far more fascinating in its unintentional camp. This is a movie that yearns to be a titillating drama with thriller elements, yet consistently trips over its own silk restraints, offering instead a delicious buffet of narrative non-sequiturs and a strange, deflated energy. The gap between its aspirations and its ultimate delivery is not just wide; it's a chasm you could drive a very expensive sports car through.
Clocking in at a brisk 118 minutes, *Fifty Shades Darker* attempts to weave together romance, drama, and thriller threads, creating a tapestry that is more tangled than tense. Critics at the time were particularly perplexed by a "stalker subplot" that, as we now lovingly recall, seemed to vanish into thin air without consequence, leaving us all to wonder if we'd imagined the entire thing. This kind of peculiar narrative architecture is precisely the texture of *Darker*'s badness. It’s not just a lack of dramatic tension; it’s an active *removal* of it, leaving every high-stakes moment feeling like a beautifully lit but ultimately hollow gesture. It's the kind of film where every dramatic beat is hit with the subtle force of a falling feather.
But here at The Bottom Reel, we know that true cinematic treasure isn't always found on the critic's darling list. With a meager 11/100 from critics, *Fifty Shades Darker* was roundly dismissed, yet its audience score of 43/100 hints at a different kind of appreciation. This is precisely where the fun begins. The film’s earnest attempt at gravitas, coupled with its consistent inability to deliver, makes for prime viewing. It's an unintentional comedy of errors, a grand display of how a film can be impeccably shot and styled, yet utterly baffling in its storytelling. It provides ample opportunity for collective gasps, bewildered giggles, and the occasional, "Wait, what just happened?"
So, should *Fifty Shades Darker* grace your Friday night? Absolutely, if you approach it with the right spirit. This is not a film to watch alone, in quiet contemplation. No, this is a cinematic event best shared with your most discerning friends, a platter of snacks, and a running commentary full of good-natured jabs. It’s famously bad, yes, but unforgettably fun in its perplexing choices and the sheer audacity of its earnest melodrama. We guarantee you'll be talking about it long after the credits roll, trying to piece together the stalker subplot that never quite was.
Synopsis
Anastasia Steele rekindled her relationship with Christian Grey is threatened by his past and a jealous former submissive.