Netflix's Love and Leashes is more than just a BDSM K-drama

THOUGHT-provoking, sophisticated, well-thought out plot, complex characters and mental coitus. Not characteristics you would expect in a movie about BDSM, especially after the global hit film adaptation 50 Shades of Gray – which despite its financial success, left much to be desired. 

The recently released Love and Leashes on Netflix, brings about a fresh approach to the mainstream understanding of BDSM. As a production from South Korea, I for one was intrigued with how they would portray the hyper-sexualised community, especially in comparison to their Western counterparts. 

To my surprise, Love and Leashes was able to create a titillating narrative around BDSM without even showing any boobs (or other bits). 

Mainly focusing on the dominating and submissive aspect of BDSM, protagonist Jung Ji-Woo, played by Girls Generation member, Seohyun, explores what it means to be a female-dom when she accidentally stumbles upon male-sub Jung Ji-hoo’s (U-KISS member, Jun) dog collar and leash.

As Ji-Woo learns the ropes of being a female-dom for Ji-Hoo, we are also taken on an educational journey of learning the differences between the physical and the psychological sides of their interplay. The movie explores questions and possibilities within this community that have been deemed taboo by the general public. 

What this movie also succeeds in bringing out is the existence of faux doms, who fail to understand the concept of consent and get off from raping their unsuspecting victims, which they meet through BDSM community websites, by passing it off as rape play. 

Love and Leashes also brings to light the struggles of these victims where they are unable to report their perpetrators to the authorities because their pleas would not only be sidelined, but they would also be mocked for being part of a ‘perverted’ community. 

Compared to 50 Shades of Gray, where we get uncomfortable situations where the female protagonist clearly has doubts and reluctance, testing the limits of non-consensual intercourse, Love and Leashes never blurs the line of consent. In fact, it portrays how consent is asked for and provided throughout their play. 

Throughout Ji-Woo and Ji-Hoo’s play, the female-dom constantly checks in with her sub before she starts anything and while she is performing the act, makes sure that she gets a clear response of consent before progressing; and then following up with after care and further discussions of consent. 

On top of that, it also shows the slip ups and mistakes that the couple goes through together, making the expectations of the role-playing experience more realistic, as opposed to the unrealistically perfect play-by-play scenes portrayed in porn. 

What this movie also does is highlight the misogynistic attitudes of society in general towards the BDSM community. 

Despite being a strong dominant woman, Ji-Woo’s dominating characteristics are challenged within her workplace when her boss nonchalantly makes sexist remarks about the way she works and his female colleagues in general. However, being aware of her position as an employee and a woman, she bites her tongue and just goes with the flow, until Ji-Hoo comes into the picture. 

The dynamic within the office changes when Ji-Hoo comes into the picture as another male colleague, and assuming that he is about to be another dominating figure over Ji-Woo, we are pleasantly surprised when instead of being silenced further, Ji-Woo’s agency is supported and encouraged. 

Although psychologically a submissive, Ji-Hoo becomes the symbol of gender equality, silencing any demeaning comments and breaking down all the mansplaining that is happening within the company. 

Misogyny further stands its ground again when Ji-Woo and Ji-Hoo’s dom-sub relationship is leaked to the company and they go under investigation. Throughout the investigation, their male bosses are more concerned about how Ji-Woo gets off from dominating Ji-Hoo, and overly sexualising her role in the relationship, instead of focusing on the actual misconduct that has happened within the company. 

Although out of character as a sub, Ji-Hoo yet again stands up to them and puts them in their place. Talk about a reverse (switches – someone whose sexual position preference is interchangeable between top and bottom). 

What makes Love and Leashes more than just another soft-core porn movie is the amount of taboo and social issues it raises. It is thought-provoking enough to stimulate your mind without rampant nudity. 

So, stay tied up but keep your blindfolds off this Valentine’s Day for some Love and Leashes. – The Vibes, February 14, 2022