The Duke of Burgundy: A Lush Exploration of Power & Desire
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 Lush and Entrancing
“What happens when a relationship is defined by intricate rituals and deep-seated desires? The Duke of Burgundy offers a rich, sensory experience that delves into the complexities of domination, submission, and love.”
The Duke of Burgundy (2014), directed by Peter Strickland, is a visually stunning film that explores the intricacies of a (perhaps unequally yoked) BDSM relationship set against a backdrop of opulence and isolation. With its lush aesthetics and psychological depth, the film provides a unique and nuanced portrayal of power, dynamics, desire and intimacy.
Plot Summary
The film follows the relationship between Cynthia, a lepidopterist (butterfly researcher), and her submissive lover, Evelyn. Set in an indeterminate European locale, their relationship is defined by elaborate rituals, high protocol and rules that blur the line between fantasy and reality. As Cynthia and Evelyn navigate their power exchange dynamics, their relationship is tested by their need for control, affection, and freedom.
Themes
The Duke of Burgundy is a deep dive into the nature of power and submission within a relationship. The film explores themes of control, ritual, and the balance between personal desires and emotional connection. Strickland’s portrayal of these themes is both tender and intense, offering a rich examination of the complexities involved in BDSM relationships.
Cinematic Style and Symbolism
Strickland’s use of elaborate set designs, period costumes, and lush cinematography creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The film’s aesthetic choices, such as the recurring motifs of butterflies and ornate interiors, serve as symbols of the characters’ desires and the intricate nature of their relationship. The visual style reinforces the film’s exploration of control and submission.
Memorable Scenes
One of the most memorable scenes features an elaborate, ritualistic scenario in which Cynthia and Evelyn engage in a meticulously choreographed power exchange. The attention to detail in their interactions highlights the depth of their connection and the psychological dimensions of their relationship. The film’s sumptuous visual style enhances the sensual and emotional impact of these moments.
Performance and Direction
Sidse Babett Knudsen and Chiara D’Anna deliver captivating performances as Cynthia and Evelyn, respectively. Knudsen’s portrayal of Cynthia’s authority and vulnerability is both commanding and poignant, while D’Anna’s depiction of Evelyn’s submission and emotional complexity adds depth to their dynamic. Strickland’s direction is masterful, using atmospheric visuals and a haunting score to create an immersive experience.
The Duke of Burgundy is a visually stunning film that offers an introspective and nuanced portrayal of BDSM relationships. While its focus on ritualistic dynamics and psychological complexity is captivating, the film’s slow pacing and abstract storytelling may pose a challenge for some viewers. Nevertheless, for those intrigued by themes of power, control, and intimacy, it provides a moving experience.
For those familiar with the intricacies of BDSM, the film presents layers of subtlety that might escape the uninitiated. The depiction of imbalance in each character’s desire for control and submission is particularly fascinating. At first glance, it appears that Sidse Babett Knudsen’s character, Cynthia, holds the reins. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Chiara D’Anna’s Evelyn, through her detailed instructions, use of safewords, and small acts of control, such as clicking her fingers to stop Evelyn’s snoring, may be the one truly in charge.
This dynamic, though unconventional, seems to work for both characters despite the demands placed on Evelyn to perform. Even scenes where she consumes large amounts of water to urinate on command challenge the viewer to reconsider who the real submissive is.
Cynthia’s alternating enthusiasm and frustration with the submissive role add another layer of complexity, leaving the audience to wonder what would happen if her instructions and safewords were removed, or if Evelyn were allowed to act freely, without prompts.
Despite the pressure it places on both characters, their arrangement provides a sense of security and structure. However, the film does not shy away from showing the cracks in their relationship. A breach of trust at one point raises the stakes, adding tension to Evelyn’s role and emphasizing the fragile balance within their power dynamics.
“Would a human toilet be a better compromise?” ~ Cynthia
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stunning cinematography and visual design.
Complex and nuanced portrayal of BDSM dynamics.
Strong performances by the lead actors.
Engaging exploration of psychological and emotional aspects of relationships.
Cons:
Slow pacing may not appeal to all viewers.
Abstract elements might be challenging for some audiences.
Reel Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 Lush & Hypnotic
The Duke of Burgundy is a visually captivating and emotionally rich film that delves into the complexities of power, desire, and intimacy. Strickland’s unique vision and the strong performances by the cast make it a compelling exploration of BDSM relationships, though its slow pacing and abstract style may not resonate with everyone. The film’s intricate portrayal of love, desire and control offers a profound and rewarding viewing experience.
Kink Rating
💋💋💋💋💋💋💋 7/10 Intimate & Ritualistic
Unlike most BDSM films, The Duke of Burgundy is less about punishment and more about obedience, devotion, and the slow unravelling of power in a structured relationship. It explores desire, compromise, and the exhaustion of keeping a dynamic alive, wrapped in stunning cinematography that makes every interaction feel ceremonial.
Final Verdict
🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎 15/20 Elegant & Unsettling
Overall, The Duke of Burgundy is a masterful film that offers a deep and sensitive exploration of BDSM dynamics and romantic connection. Its beautiful aesthetics and psychological depth provide a captivating experience for viewers interested in the nuances of power, submission and desire. The film’s distinctive style and thematic richness make it a standout entry in the genre.
A Film For
Those who appreciate kink as a form of emotional storytelling, rather than just erotic spectacle.
Fans of arthouse cinema with a dreamlike, visually opulent style.
Viewers interested in the psychological complexities of a long-term Dom/sub relationship.
Lovers of films about women, as this is a rare erotic drama with an entirely female cast.
Anyone seeking an alternative to Fifty Shades, this is the real study of power exchange.
A Film Not For
Those expecting a fast-paced, sexually explicit BDSM film, this is slow, atmospheric, and more about power than sex.
Viewers who dislike ambiguity or films that demand interpretation rather than providing clear-cut answers.
Anyone looking for a conventional love story, this is about obsession, control, and the slow unravelling of desire.
If you hate moths, this might not be for you.
The Gilded Crop Award goes to: Sidse Babett Knudsen’s performance as Cynthia
SBK masterfully portrays a woman who appears to be in control but is slowly losing power in the most delicate, heartbreaking ways. The nuance in her struggle between being both a dominant and a partner makes the film haunting.
The Broken Paddle Award goes to: The cryptic, looping ending
Although it fits the film’s surrealism, some viewers may find it frustratingly unresolved. It leaves us wondering who is truly in control, but perhaps that’s entirely the point.
Did You Know?
Did you know that The Duke of Burgundy features no male characters at all? Writer-director Peter Strickland intentionally created a world populated entirely by women to heighten the surreal, dreamlike quality of the film. The film's title, referencing a species of butterfly, further emphasises its thematic focus on transformation, fragility, and beauty.
Related Films or Recommendations
If you enjoyed The Duke of Burgundy, you might also appreciate The Handmaiden, Belle de Jour, or A Dangerous Method, films that similarly explore themes of power, control, and intimacy within complex relationships.
Drop a comment below and cast your vote! Want more deep dives into cinema’s sensual and subversive side? Stick around, there’s plenty more to come.
