The third and final installment of the controversial Fifty Shades series is here.
Those who are interested in this film already know what happens so I’ll spare you a huge recap about the plot. Fifty Shades Freed picks the story up at their wedding and honeymoon, which is quickly skimmed through in order to get to the main narrative. As Ana and Christian try to navigate their journey as a married couple, an old enemy (Jack Hyde) is out plotting revenge for ruining his life. Along the way Ana finds out that she is pregnant which causes a rift in the marriage when Christian reacts horribly to the news. On the same day, Ana receives a phone call asking for 5 million dollars in ransom for a family member who was kidnapped that morning.
Much like its predecessors, this movie’s strength lies in its technical aspects and the actors involved. Even the harshest critic could not fault the superb cinematography in Fifty Shades Freed. It allows the grand opulence of their luxurious lives to be on full display which does intrigue and draw audiences in.
A consistent positive in the Fifty series is their soundtrack and the new release accompanying Freed does not disappoint either. Danny Elfman composed the original scores while Liam Payne, Rita Ora, Sia, Ellie Goulding and Jamie Dornan (yes, he sings) contributed their own songs too. A car chase or a red room scene doesn’t have the same impact if it weren’t for the music – it adds much needed depth & emotion to each scenario.
The lovely Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson do the best with what they were given, which is sadly not much, but they do manage to breathe life into situations which seem unreasonable and mundane. Johnson shines when she is playing Ana as a successful strong woman who commands attention and respect. Her confrontation with Christian after the pregnancy reveal is a highlight in the entire trilogy.
Those who are familiar with the novels will notice that the studio, James Foley (director), and Niall Leonard (screenplay) have compromised more on the story this time than in the past. Seemingly wanting to please fans and the general public instead of just catering to their core audience – fans of the books. As a result, the story has been edited and diluted so much that it became more shallow, hurried and anti-climactic.
Those who have not read the book may not realise this but the rest will notice that it rushes from one sub-plot to another without properly concluding each storyline. What was meant to be a highly charged thrilling conclusion to the kidnapping ends as quickly as it starts without much excitement. Product placements also became very apparent but Ben and Jerry’s must be pleased.
By the second half, it is excruciatingly evident that the material has well and truly been exhausted. Fifty Shades Freed certainly looks and sounds great but doesn’t quite leave you wanting more. 5/10
Fifty Shades Freed is in cinemas now.
