Fifty Shades Of Black vs Fifty Shades Of Grey

When the first 50 Shades of Grey book came out, most likely due to the influence of a funding-initiated media storm, it went socially viral.

The world could not keep the book out of their mouths, despite its ludicrous and socially unpleasant premise. The story featured an unquestionably filthy scenario so discomforting that it seemed able to please audiences only due to the unchallenging ‘acceptability’ of the characters. Considering eurocentrism's international hold, it would seem unlikely to have practically everyone interested in engrossing themselves into the BDSM activities of more realistically written individuals without the idea of fantasy 'perfect-people' to placate or negate the numerous aspects of otherwise deterring disgust.

In the ironically dead-serious Grey, the bodies are without flaw, the sex has no problems and the relationship exists away from influence of the in-world society. The Grey book presents an unrealistically fantastical account of dirty sex and an empty dead-end relationship, so neutered from truth that it can only be enjoyed - and disbelief can be suspended - if the partaking characters pictured in the mind are not based in 'warts-and-all' reality but in half-formed idealised ideas of people. The response to the Grey film supports this notion, with audiences rejecting the non-story further because of the fact that there were real people involved, removing most of the fantasy. The ignorantly fluffy story stayed the same but the method of delivery brought it into reality, exposing Fifty Shades of Grey as a cruel joke.

Fifty Shades Of Black takes the illegitimate storyline of Grey, fills in any holes and adds the remedial layers of comedy and reality. The Grey film is objectively worse than Black; the characters are empty, the story is less memorable and the writing is less intelligent (read as: self-conscious). Although classless, Black’s writing sharply dissects the grimy scenario while delivering a great genre-piece.

With its social commentary and a grounded story progression, Fifty Shades Of Black gives us ‘50 Shades of Reality’. It is always a beneficial thing to see ‘black love’, it acclimatises, builds resistance and aids equality. Wayans + Kali Hawk give us well-staged scenes of boundary-busting sexual intimacy that are cringe-worthy, often un-watchable and revealing for all the right reasons, just as they are nuanced, realistic and honest.

Just like sex, relationships and BDSM in reality - and just what 50 Shades Of Grey proudly neglects.

Unfortunately, although Black is a riotous watch, the parody is unlikely to be a favourite for re-watching as it’s honesty provides some perilous moments of discomfort and distaste. Nevertheless, the film has many merits and is notable for its social and meta-commentary. Understanding that paid film-critics are most secure in practising dishonest elitism, Black is not quite deserving of its 7% RT rating. For eager and willing customers, Black is good product.