I'm gonna be honest- I had my doubts before walkign into the story. The teasers for the movie were fun, but in a world where "50 shades" and "365 days" exist, you probably can tell why I was worried.

So why this movie feels refreshing? The movie manages to pull of a romance between a S and a M in a way that isn't toxic, unbelievanle and it respects BDSM.

The chemistery between the leads is belivable. The master and sub relationship works great and both of them consent. I like that they didn't make one of them super rich and other pathetic shy person. It makes it more belivable that their kinks is something they are into and doesn't come from a power struggle that was there in the first place. You're with them on this journey of discovering their kinks (the FL learns how to dominate. It is awkward for her at first, but then she feels better in this role). It's also a slow burn, so it feels more natural.

Am I a part of the BDSM community? No, I'm super vanilla. But I'm also an adult who is aware that everyone has their own kink and fetishes so we shouldn't be judgemental of what adults do behind closed doors (of course with consent). This movie doesn't shame people who are a part of BDSM. It is explained through out the movie that M and S dont' have to be in a romantic relationship in order to be a master and a sub. It doesn't have to be about sex even. I'm glad they stressed it. The movie helped understand BDSM a bit more. The movie tells you it's okay to want dominating someone. It's okay if you are willing to be a sub. You deserve someone who loves you the way you are and accepts you. Despite your kinks, you deserve to be respected and it's okay to draw boundries.

Overall, I think my problem with it is the pacing, but I wouldn't change it. It works for the plot. I think this movie should be on poeple's minds when thinking about BDSM romance films or maybe for those who are interested in BDSM.