Fifty Shades Darker (2017), directed by James Foley, is the second installment in the Fifty Shades trilogy. Based on E. L. James’ best-selling novels, the film continues the story of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, diving deeper into their complicated romance, Christian’s troubled past, and the challenges they face from external threats.
Detailed Summary
Ana and Christian Reunite
After the events of Fifty Shades of Grey, Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) tries to move on from Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). She begins a new job as an assistant at a publishing house. Despite their breakup, Christian reappears in her life, determined to win her back on different terms—no rules, no punishments, just love.
The Return of Christian’s Past
As Ana and Christian rekindle their relationship, Christian opens up more about his past, revealing trauma from his abusive childhood and the reason behind his controlling nature. Ana, though still cautious, sees his vulnerability and realizes she has feelings for him that go beyond the physical.
Leila’s Obsession
One of Christian’s former submissives, Leila (Bella Heathcote), resurfaces. Traumatized and mentally unstable, Leila stalks Ana and becomes increasingly threatening. This subplot highlights Christian’s past lifestyle and the consequences of his dominant relationships. Eventually, Christian manages to calm Leila down, demonstrating how much he has changed since meeting Ana.
Elena Lincoln Appears
We are introduced to Elena Lincoln (Kim Basinger), Christian’s former dominant and business partner, who first introduced him to the BDSM lifestyle. Ana resents Elena’s presence and influence, leading to heated confrontations. This rivalry intensifies as Elena tries to assert that Ana doesn’t belong in Christian’s world.
The Helicopter Incident
One of the film’s most suspenseful moments comes when Christian’s helicopter crashes during a business trip. For several tense hours, Ana and Christian’s family fear the worst. Ultimately, Christian makes it home alive, reinforcing the depth of Ana’s love and her unwillingness to lose him.
⇢ VIRAL RIGHT NOW
Movie Ending
The film builds toward Christian realizing he wants Ana in his life permanently, not as a submissive but as his equal. At a masquerade ball, he proposes to her with his grandmother’s ring. Ana is shocked but eventually accepts, signaling a new chapter in their relationship.
Meanwhile, Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson), Ana’s manipulative boss at the publishing house, is fired after making aggressive advances toward her. The movie ends with Jack watching Christian and Ana from a distance, hinting at his thirst for revenge. This cliffhanger sets up the conflict for the final installment, Fifty Shades Freed.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes, Fifty Shades Darker includes a mid-credits teaser for the sequel Fifty Shades Freed. It shows glimpses of Christian and Ana’s wedding, Ana trying on a wedding dress, and foreboding shots of Jack Hyde plotting revenge. There is no additional scene after the full credits roll.
Type of Movie
The film is a romantic drama/erotic thriller with heavy emphasis on emotional conflict, sensuality, and suspense.
Cast
- Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele
- Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey
- Eric Johnson as Jack Hyde
- Kim Basinger as Elena Lincoln
- Bella Heathcote as Leila Williams
- Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Trevelyan-Grey
- Rita Ora as Mia Grey
- Luke Grimes as Elliot Grey
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Danny Elfman, known for his dark and romantic musical styles. The soundtrack features high-profile artists such as Zayn Malik and Taylor Swift’s duet “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever”, which became a global hit and was nominated for several awards.
⇢ KEEP UP WITH THE TREND
Filming Locations
Filming primarily took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, with some scenes shot in Paris and Seattle. Vancouver stood in for Seattle throughout much of the trilogy, providing urban skylines and luxury backdrops fitting for Christian Grey’s lifestyle.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Worst Picture, Worst Actor, and Worst Actress at the Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies).
- Despite criticism, the film’s soundtrack, particularly “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever”, received nominations, including a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson reportedly had more control over how intimate scenes were shot in this installment, demanding closed sets for comfort.
- Author E. L. James’ husband, Niall Leonard, wrote the screenplay.
- Kim Basinger, who played Elena, joined the cast as a nod to her past role in 9½ Weeks, another erotic drama classic.
- Director James Foley shot Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed back-to-back.
Inspirations and References
The film is directly adapted from E. L. James’ novel of the same name. It reflects themes of control, redemption, and love overcoming trauma. Unlike the book, the movie trims subplots and tones down darker elements of Christian’s backstory.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Some deleted scenes expand on Ana’s tension with Elena, adding more verbal sparring.
- A longer version of the masquerade ball was shot but cut for pacing.
- The helicopter crash sequence was initially more graphic but was toned down.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- In the book, Leila’s storyline is much darker, involving a gun confrontation that’s softened in the film.
- Jack Hyde’s manipulative nature is explored more thoroughly in the book.
- The film reduces Ana’s internal monologue, which is a central part of the novel.
⇢ MOST SHARED RIGHT NOW
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The masquerade ball with Ana in a striking mask.
- Christian’s helicopter crash and his dramatic return.
- Ana confronting Elena, standing her ground.
- Christian proposing to Ana with his family present.
Iconic Quotes
- Christian: “I want you back. I’d have it no other way.”
- Ana: “You need to stop. This is between you and me.”
- Elena: “You’ll never be enough for him.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The masquerade ball is a visual homage to Eyes Wide Shut.
- Several props in Christian’s penthouse reference Ana’s favorite books from the first film.
- The initials on Christian’s grandmother’s ring are visible during the proposal, connecting his family’s legacy to Ana’s acceptance.
Trivia
- Jamie Dornan shaved his beard midway through filming, leading to continuity fixes in reshoots.
- The working title during production was Freed Part 1.
- Dakota Johnson reportedly improvised parts of Ana’s bold confrontation with Elena.
Why Watch?
If you enjoyed Fifty Shades of Grey and want more drama, suspense, and romance with higher stakes, Fifty Shades Darker delivers. It also sets up the finale, making it essential viewing for those following the trilogy.
Director’s Other Movies
- Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
- At Close Range (1986)
- Fear (1996)
- Perfect Stranger (2007)
