Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
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A college graduate enters into a complex, sadomasochistic relationship with a wealthy businessman.
The story
Anastasia "Ana" Steele, an English literature major at Washington State University Vancouver, agrees to interview a billionaire entrepreneur, Christian Grey, for her college newspaper after her roommate falls ill. During the meeting, a mutual interest develops between the two. Following a series of interactions, including a gift of novels and a tense encounter at a bar, a romance begins to form. However, Christian insists on a non-disclosure agreement and a contract defining his role as a dominant in a sexual bondage relationship. Ana, initially hesitant, eventually considers his terms as they navigate the complexities of their burgeoning connection.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Ana, a student at Washington State University, interviews billionaire Christian Grey. Their mutual attraction leads to a series of dates and a growing romance. Christian reveals his need for a contract regarding his sadomasochistic lifestyle, and Ana eventually agrees to his terms. They spend time together in his 'Red Room' and he provides her with gifts like a car and a laptop. During a trip to Georgia, they share a moment of intimacy. However, the relationship becomes strained as Christian remains emotionally distant. After a confrontation where he punishes her for 'rule-breaking' and she realizes he is 'too psychologically broken' for the relationship she desires, Ana leaves him. The film ends with a final exchange in an elevator as she chooses to walk away from his pleas.
- First release year
- 2015
- Runtime (minutes)
- 125
- Production countries
- United States; United Kingdom
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Sam Taylor-Johnson
- Writers
- Kelly Marcel · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Dakota Johnson · Anastasia "Ana" Steele; Jamie Dornan · Christian Grey; Jennifer Ehle · Carla Wilks; Marcia Gay Harden · Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey; Eloise Mumford · Katherine "Kate" Kavanagh; Victor Rasuk · José Rodriguez; Luke Grimes · Elliot Grey; Rita Ora · Mia Grey
- Genres
- erotic; romantic drama
- Themes
- sadomasochism; consent; power dynamics
- Tone and mood
- sensual; stylish
- Setting
- Seattle and surrounding areas, including a trip to Georgia.
- Premise and plot tags
- romance; erotica; billionaire
- Source material / true-story basis
- E. L. James' 2011 eponymous novel
- Franchise connections
- Fifty Shades
- Content notes
- sexual content; nudity
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its production design and soundtrack while others criticized the acting and pacing. It was a significant commercial success, breaking several box office records.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 25% · scale: percentage · review count: 280; Metacritic · score: 46 · scale: 100 · review count: 46; CinemaScore · score: C+ · scale: A+ to F
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Raspberry Award · Worst Picture · Win
- Production trivia
- The film was shot under the working title 'The Adventures of Max and Banks'.; The soundtrack's 'Love Me like You Do' was nominated for a Golden Globe.; The soundtrack's 'Earned It' was nominated for an Academy Award.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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