‘FIFTY SHADES DARKER’ adds mystery in with the eroticism

Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan take things FIFTY SHADES DARKER. Courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Courtney Howard // Film Critic

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY made a – pardon my French and appropriate slang – a “f*ckton” of cash for Universal Pictures so it’s only natural we’re getting a sequel, FIFTY SHADES DARKER. According to what we see in the trailer (which is set to Miguel’s “Crazy in Love” cover), the narrative will mix a thrilling mystery in with all the erotic fantasy. Take a look.

Unlike last time, I don’t really know what to expect. I didn’t read the book because James’ first novel took it all out of me. However, I know a lot of you did finish the series because y’all made it an instant sensation.

What should be interesting this time around, is that the voices behind the camera have shuffled. The original’s female director and writer (Sam Taylor-Johnson and Kelly Marcel respectively) elected to not return and male voices, director James Foley, who’s done wonderful work on HOUSE OF CARDS and GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, and (E.L. James’ husband) writer Niall Leonard, have taken their place. It will also be fascinating to find out if the chemistry is better this time than last between stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson. So yeah, Mr. Grey. Color me intrigued!

FIFTY SHADES DARKER opens on February 10, 2017.

Courtney Howard

Courtney Howard is a LAFCA, CCA, OFCS and AWFJ member, as well as a Rotten Tomatometer-approved film critic. Her work has been published on Variety, She Knows and Awards Circuit.