I would introduce myself as a cinephile—I love movies, and I don’t have a preference for just one genre; I appreciate them all.
Going into this film, my expectations were high—maybe even unrealistic. But when the main point of comparison is Fifty Shades of Grey, it couldn’t possibly be that bad.
I’ll admit to some bias because of the lead actress, Nicole Kidman, who has been a crush of mine since BMX Bandits. With films like Eyes Wide Shut and many others, who could resist?
When reviewing a modern erotic film, I focus on key aspects: the actors and their performances, storytelling, character development, cinematography, and, of course, the execution of key scenes.
Let’s start with the acting. I think the actors did well in their roles—nothing extraordinary, but solid performances. Nicole Kidman and Antonio Banderas were convincing as a couple navigating the ups and downs of daily life.
The story and screenplay were decent. Some parts felt a bit drawn out, but overall, the narrative remained engaging. It was modern, believable, and grounded enough to feel realistic.
Cinematography-wise, the film had a distinct style—more handheld shots, more close-ups—but, in my opinion, nothing vulgar. One technique stood out to me (or maybe I imagined it): the subtle blushing on Kidman’s face during certain moments, which added a layer of authenticity.
As for the scenes, some had real potential. The D/s moments had a certain intensity, and some of the sexual encounters were well-executed—sensual without crossing into explicit territory. The use of a safeword was a cute, albeit clichéd, touch.
Overall, it was better than Fifty Shades in several ways. I’d give it a solid 3/5.
