Overview and Premise
The Trilogy of Films ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ is the third and last part of the Fifty Shades of Grey film trilogy which started with Fifty Shades of Grey back in 2015 and proceeded with Fifty Shades Darker in 2017. Also directed by James Foley and loosely based on the novel by E.L. James, the film once again brought the love story of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey on-screen.
This last part tries to wrap the love, control, passion and danger that has always accompanied the trilogy. Set against the background of opulence and suspense, the movie continues to follow the newlywed couple who have now to face the reality that the danger they have been trying to escape from has now returned.
Fifty Shades Freed tries to uncover the consequences of living “happily ever after, “attempting to depict the life of Ana and Christian and the fight to achieve trust, autonomy, and dependency while surrounded with extreme wealth, limitless sexual adventures and lurking threats.
Plot Summary
The movie begins with the lavish wedding ceremony of Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). After honeymooning in Paris and the French Rivieras, the duo head back to Seattle to officially begin their new life as husband and wife.
Their joyous return doesn’t last long. “Mrs. Grey” now has a new house, new staff, and the added responsibility of a controlling billionaire husband. Christian struggles with his jealousy and “overprotectiveness” when it comes to Ana’s independence and her career.
Friction occurs with Ana’s decision to keep her maiden name, her determination to continue working as a book editor, and Christian’s need to maintain control. The film, with its many romantic and sensual moments, is nonetheless marred by the couple’s differences in communication and mutual expectations.
The film’s primary antagonist is Jack Hyde, Ana’s ex-boss, who was fired in the last film for trying to assault her. Hyde returns to exact revenge, launching a campaign of harassment, stalking, and eventual kidnapping. This vendetta adds danger to an otherwise domesticated plot and allows Christian and Ana to reevaluate their priorities and trust in one another.
The movie includes a subplot about a pregnancy as well. The situation creates additional problems as Ana reveals to Christian that she is pregnant. He reacts to the news in a typically immature manner worrying that he will become sidelined in Ana’s life. His reaction in the film is over the top, including drinking more than usual and reconnecting with an old flame, Elena Lincoln, which caused a temporary divide in their relationship.
Ana, to a certain extent, proves to be more than a passive heroine. The plot reveals that she truly cares about Christian’s family, including his sister Mia. When Jack Hyde kidnaps Mia, Ana risks herself to rescue her. By doing so, she not only defeats Hyde, but also showcases her transformation from a naive college student in the first movie.
The last parts of the movie deal with the remaining two parts. Christian getting over the pregnancy, and accepting the news of becoming a father. Then the film ends with a montage of their life together, revealing scenes from the other films and showing a flashforward of their life with their child.
Characters and Performances
Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele-Grey
In this final installment, Johnson is continuing to evolve Ana from a shy and awkward graduate to a confident and self-assured woman. She does a wonderful job balancing both vulnerability and strength, especially during the moments when Ana defies Christian’s orders or takes a decisive action to safeguard those she loves. Johnson’s portrayal has often been viewed as the emotional backbone of the trilogy.
Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey
Dornan is back as the moody and complicated Christian Grey. In this last part of the trilogy, Dornan plays a man trying to balance his need for control and his love for Ana. Dornan showcases Christian’s growing sensitivity, especially during moments when his past comes back to haunt him or his perfectly structured life is at risk of collapsing.
Eric Johnson as Jack Hyde
Hyde is the film’s villain, bringing in additional elements of the crime and thriller genres to the romance. While he does increase the tension of the film, his character is stuck as a cliche and remains largely one-dimensional. His character is ultimately revealed to be a .
Supporting cast
Ora reprises her role as Mia Grey, the first Christian’s sister who plays a primary role in the kidnapping subplot.Luke Grimes is back as Christian’s brother Elliot Grey alongside Eloise Mumford who portrays Kate, Ana’s closest friend, as they continue to assume supporting roles.
In the family scenes, Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Grey, Christian’s adoptive mother, offers emotional resonance which deepens the family dynamics.
Themes & Symbolism
Marriage and Control
Love and control is the continuous conflict throughout the film. Ana’s independence challenges Christian’s perspective. Their marriage compels them to grapple with their insecurities, boundaries, and expectations of partnership.
Growth and Trust
Throughout the story, both characters evolve emotionally. Christian’s character arcs revolve around his ability to open up and trust, while Ana becomes a stronger, more confident woman who refuses to allow herself to be a mere trophy wife.
Sexual Expression
As with the earlier films, sexuality is a significant focus. There are to several scenes of intimate to emphasize the multifaceted nature of their relationship. That said, there is a noticeable difference with Fifty Shades Freed, as the sexual scenes are more focused on intimacy rather than domination.
Protection and Danger
Ana’s and Christian’s lives are turned upside down by Jack Hyde’s relentless pursuit of them. Christian’s always had issues with losing control and feeling vulnerable, but with Jack’s presence, he is forced to confront those issues. Ana’s relentless courage while dealing with the kidnapping attempts shatters the traditional damsel-in-distress narrative, turning her into the savior of the story.
Direction And Visual Styling
Continuing with the prior aesthetic set in the previous films, director James Foley maintains the shiny and elegant visual style. Opulent filming locations, exotic and luxurious travel sequences, and sleek designer clothing dominate the visuals. The film itself visually indulges into the lavish lifestyle of the Grey family.
Intimacy and luxury are hallmarks of well-composed shots delivered by cinematographer John Schwartzman. The Danny Elfman score for the film blends distinctively sensual music with suspense, enhancing the emotional moments and the tension throughout the film.
Reception & Impact
Fifty Shades Freed grossed hundreds of millions globally, but the series as a whole received mixed to negative reviews. Many critics pointed out glaring issues, with the most recurring being a rushed storyline, underdeveloped side plots, and caricaturized romance. That being said, some did appreciate the emotional moments and character development throughout the film.
Fans of the Original book series were satisfied with the emotional resolution the movie provided. A lot of critique has emerged around the series, mostly revolving around the image and portrayal of BDSM and the relationships between genders. Fifty Shades Freed’s intention was to highlight important personal development and domestic bliss while still giving a neat resolution to Ana and Christian’s storyline.
Conclusion
Fifty Shades Freed wraps up Ana and Christian’s fast-paced romance while showcasing love, trust, and empowerment. The film may lack the ability to persuade its critics, especially those who were unconvinced by the previous films, but it does succeed in providing an emotionally fulfilling ending to its intended audience.
The film is enhanced by the confident conveyance of Ana’s role by Dakota Johnson, and Christian’s by the charming, brooding, Jamie Dornan. When Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan deliver those lines, the film shines as a glossy fantasy about personal development through love, however at its essence, Fifty Shades Freed is a romance, and a melodramatic one at that, with a dose of thriller.
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