Is Fifty Shades Darker Empowering Women’s Sexuality? “Ask Sam” Explores The Other Side

By Samantha von sperling | March 2, 2017 | Relationships

I remember the last time I encountered the two lead characters of Fifty Shades of Grey at a press screening of the movie. Imagine my delight when my man sprung it on me that Fifty Shades Darker was part of this past Valentine’s Day plans!

In Fifty Shades Darker Christian Grey introduces Anastasia to a few more toys, nothing off the charts, but happily a little more daring than I had imagined they were going to show in the film. Whether you’re a fan of this franchise or not, I think it can be said that Fifty Shades has given women a platform to discuss and explore their sexuality under the safe and acceptable veil of pop culture. Women pursuing their right to orgasm without judgment is still a fight that we may be winning, but it’s not over yet.

The audience loved when Anastasia physically defended herself when her new boss made unwanted advances. This new fairytale princess is strong and capable. It conveys a clear message that what people might choose to explore in their intimate life may be at polar opposites with who they are in the real world.

Christian Grey might want a dominant-submissive relationship, but it is clear that ultimately Anastasia is the one in control, a sign of a maturing Anastasia who is becoming more comfortable with speaking up and setting boundaries as she renegotiates the terms of their relationship. SheΓÇÖs an empowered sub and demonstrates the importance of very clear communication and boundary setting and safe words.

I also noticed that Anastasia, in a sign that her character is developing into one not only nimbly empowered and maturing, she has learned to walk in heels — and what a fabulous collection she’s amassed in Fifty Shades Darker. I was definitely having some shoe envy!

Guiltily, I’ll admit, the ending left me hungry for the next film as we root for young love … with a side of hot sauce.

By the time I got home I was ready to make a movie of my own. Of course, I started it off with┬áFifty Shades of Grey White Silk wine, a delicate yet rich white blend of Gew├╝rztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. The sweet start was accompanied by surprising tingle at the end of each sip, much like a night with Christian Grey … you can only imagine the rest of mine.