The final film in the trilogy lacks in the story department, but certainly gives fans what they're looking for when it comes to the conclusion of the series.
“Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades Freed, the climactic chapter based on the worldwide bestselling Fifty Shades phenomenon. Believing they have left behind shadowy figures from their past, newlyweds Christian and Ana fully embrace an inextricable and unfamiliar stability, new threats could jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins.”
Fifty Shades Freed picks up where the last one left off, with the wedding of Christian and Ana. The first act proceeds with the happy couple as they do all the things super rich couples do, go on a fantastical honeymoon around the world, filled with the most stunning scenery. While enjoying their time together in paradise, an unknown figure breaks in, steals data and sets fire to the server room in Christian’s office building. Easily identified as Ana’s old boss Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson), things go back to high alert as Christian assigns bodyguards to both him and Ana.
While trying to live their lives under constant threat, the couple continues to move forward with their lives. Ana tries to have her own identity at her workplace without people thinking Christian is the reason for her newest promotion. Christian buys a luxurious new house in which a new architect Gia Matteo (Arielle Kebbel) has ambitious plans for both the house and possibly Christian, as Ana quickly shuts her down demonstrating she won’t let people walk all over her. When a SUV chases Christian and Ana through the countryside and into the city, cameras show that Jack may have a female accomplice. Tensions continue to be raised as Christian demands obedience from Ana due to the increased danger, while Ana begins to feel isolated not being able to do simple things like go out with her friends. When Ana defies Christian and goes out anyway, Jack is at her home waiting for her, threatening her life just before he is apprehended by the police. Trying to get passed the ordeal, the couple tries to do more normal things such as go out with Christian’s family when his brother Elliot (Luke Grimes) proposes to Ana’s friend Kate (Eloise Mumford). An unexpected surprise creates a rift between Ana and Christian, all the while Jack makes bail and is out again, threatening to destroy their life before it truly begins.
In the third act, interesting things finally start to happen, with some action finally kicking in and these threats finally coming to a head. Without giving anything away to from the conclusion of the trilogy, the film takes a thrilling turn that will be sure to entertain fans of the series in this high stakes finale.
Although the Fifty Shades series undoubtedly has its fan base which is evident by the worldwide sales, it is clear that I’m not the target demographic for the story or the films. As I try to take an unbiased approach from a viewer not having read the books and interested in the structure of the film, I do notice some glairing issues with the film that honestly affect all book to film adaptations in one form or another. We don’t get hardly any useful information about the other characters except for Christian and Ana. Although I had seen the second film, I had no idea who some of the characters were supposed to be, namely all of Christian’s family, and Elliot’s relationship with Kate. I’ll admit, I haven’t seen the first film, so this could all be heavily focused on in that film, but I have my suspicions that they aren’t. Unfortunately unless the studio is willing to split adaptations into several films, things have to be severely trimmed, and this is the result.
By itself, the film follows a very bland three act structure in which there isn’t much at all propelling the film forward. There are very small amounts of tension and exposure to the antagonist, to the point he might as well not even exist. Jack’s motives have never been clear, and even when they are explained, they don’t even really make sense. There is a brief mention of Jack being backed by some competing company of Christian’s, but it’s in the form of a five second news segment and never mentioned again. Jack may be an interesting antagonist in the book, but in the film he’s horrendous, making the story seem simply like a two hour look into the lives of the rich. All that I will say about the third act to avoid giving anything away is that from the standpoint of a movie-goer only interested in the story aspect of the film, it was a severely disappointing end to a trilogy. Fans may enjoy where the story leads Christian and Ana, but without an interesting antagonist the film just seems pointless.
Fans of the film know what they’re getting into when they watch the film. Sex sells, and clearly that is what fans of the series want. These fans won’t be disappointed, as the unrated version contains a lot of just that.
Video
Fifty Shades Freed is presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.40:1. The HDR definitely presents some brilliant brights and deep darks, as the film has plenty of both throughout. Colors look exceptional, with a great balance throughout the film. No blemishes or issues in the transfer, and fans of the film will love the clear detail and crisp visuals of the 4k release.
Also included in this release is a Blu-Ray disc presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS:X. The audio sounds exceptional as well. Despite most of the sound being dialogue coming from the center channel, it is well balanced with the soundtrack. Although the soundtrack does sound great, the quality of the music leaves something to be desired, especially in the sex scenes which make it sound more like something you’d see late night on Cinemax instead of the theatres.
Special Features
This set contains both the Unrated and Theatrical versions of the film. The extras will be contained on the Blu-Ray disc, which are:
- Deleted Scene
- The Final Climax: 30+ Mins. Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
- Christian & Ana by Jamie & Dakota
- An Intimate Conversation with E L James and Eric Johnson
- Music Videos
Fifty Shades Freed isn’t for everyone. For fans that the film is targeted toward and have both read the books and watched the films, no doubt will feel satisfied with the conclusion of the trilogy.