The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed

Ann, a thirty-three-year-old woman, finds herself immersed in a complex, long-term casual BDSM relationship where she plays the role of submissive to Allen. Caught in the grips of emotional detachment, she navigates a monotonous corporate job, strained family relationships, and an indifferent dominant. At her place of work, she inexplicably receives an award for being there for a year, despite actually having served over three years, while her manager tasks her with a project that could render her position obsolete.

In an attempt to break free from her isolation, she starts dating Thomas, a younger man known for composing scores for children’s films. However, this promising relationship quickly fizzles out when he reconciles with his ex-partner. Adding to Ann’s turmoil, her sister arrives at her doorstep, reeling from a crumbling marriage caused by her husband’s infidelities. Meanwhile, at work, changes unfold rapidly as Ann’s manager is laid off, resulting in new responsibilities and a title she neither sought nor wanted.

Ann’s journey takes a turn when she meets Simon, a dominant who appears significantly more invested in the intricacies of roleplay than any of her prior partners. He introduces her to the experience of dressing in a “fuckpig” costume, employing a more humiliating and controlling demeanor. While this initially intrigues Ann, her longing for aftercare post-session clashes with Simon’s indifference, leading her to grow weary of his public humiliation tactics. Concurrently, her sister becomes increasingly entangled in Ann’s life, often leading to tension, while her boss, Karl, begins to micromanage her every move.

After a period of introspection, Ann requests her sister to move out as she starts to confront her own feelings about a relationship—something she’s never openly discussed with her family. She tentatively reconnects with Allen, only to discover he was unaware it was her, owing to her change of username on the site they initially met. Their evolving dynamic faces a challenge when Ann finds out about Allen’s Zionist views, which deeply unsettles her, although she later expresses regret for her reaction. Seeking solace, Ann goes on an awkward vacation with her highly critical parents, where her father’s ill-timed guitar serenade disrupts her attempts to find peace in reading, while her mother’s snappiness adds to the familial friction.

Encouraged by her friends, Ann ventures into the world of online dating, creating a profile on a non-fetish site. She experiences a series of lackluster dates until she meets Chris, a connection sparked by their mutual adoration for the classic film A League of Their Own. As their relationship progresses, Ann battles with uncertainty about its nature—whether it leans towards casual or serious. Despite the deepening bond, she struggles with communication, accustomed as she is to past partners dictating her actions rather than accounting for her emotions.

Gradually, Ann resumes her interactions with her parents and shoulders increased responsibilities at her job. When a close coworker departs for another role, she commemorates their friendship by framing photographs he took, marking his send-off with a personal touch. As her relationship with Chris grows more intense, Ann attempts to introduce BDSM elements into their dynamics. Although Chris initially expresses discomfort, they gradually explore the boundaries of domination and submission together.

Ultimately, however, Ann grapples with her old habits and reconnects with Allen, despite his continued disinterest in her personal life. The film concludes with ambiguity, leaving viewers questioning whether Ann has betrayed Chris through infidelity, or if they have amicably parted ways, or even if she was reengaging with her previous dom under Chris’s consent. This exploration of relationships reveals the many facets of Ann’s struggle for love, identity, and self-acceptance amidst a whirlwind of expectations and societal norms.

Last Updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:27