Bound, Charisma Carpenter and BDSM

Since the early 1990s, Charisma Carpenter has been one of the most beautiful actresses in film and TV.  Her real life history is infinitely more dramatic than her portrayals on the screen.  From San Diego Charger cheerleader, to a heroine who pulled off a death defying escape from a maniacal killer after he shot her two friends, and then assisting the police in putting that fiend behind bars, Ms. Carpenter is a true life hero. She has come a long way since "Buffy" and "Angel," and 2015's "Bound" demonstrates that, even in her mid-40s, Charisma Carpenter has more sex-appeal than any actress in their 20s.  Forget about "50 Shades of Grey," for some erotic fulfillment, Ms. Carpenter delivers in an extremely courageous performance.

The film begins with Michelle (Carpenter) in all of her glory in the final stages of sex with her BF, George (Mark McClain Wilson). He is satisfied (...of course), but not her.  She fakes satisfaction and sends the BF on his way.  Even when she tries to finish the feat with a vibrator, no results.  Then, by chance, she meets Ryan (Bryce Draper), a mysterious young man who successfully comes on to her in a bar.  He is exsciting...and perhaps taboo.  His ability to dominate her physically and emotionally gets Michelle's erotic juices flowing.  Her new role as a submissive seems to suit Michelle, and effect her role as a mom and a real estate executive.  As our heroine's real world continues, Ryan forces Michelle to explore the taboo.  Whether it be kinky sex in a restroom at an Alzheimer's Disease fund raiser, or sex in her father's office, Michelle's sex life has been rejuvenated.  As Ryan introduces her to the BDSM culture, Michelle immerses herself into a lifestyle of bondage, whipping, humiliation, and submission.

Uh oh...Michelle is not satisfied to remain a submissive, and when she makes overtures to reverse roles with Ryan, his dangerous side is revealed.  Though addicted to each other, Ryan and Michelle are now on a collision course which will not end well...at least for one of them.  Her desire to whip him, contrasted with his desire to keep her in chains and punished, turns into a sexual game of wits.  Charisma Carpenter plays the role well, whether in a tight business outfit, BDSM gear, or nude, she dominates the camera.  Her character Michelle, even as a submissive, always hints at being in control.  Even on the receiving end of spanking and whipping, Michelle gives indications that she is in more control than Ryan would like.  As the demented love story turns into a sexual-thriller, the new Michelle will have to turn all-aggressive in order to prevail.

Perhaps more similar to "9 and 1/2 Weeks," than "50 Shades..," "Bound" is the story of a strong independent woman trying to remain strong and independent after plunging into a BDSM lifestyle.  Some critics may pan this film believing professional women are portrayed as weak.  However, a closer look at Michelle, I believe, reveals a woman playing submissive, but in actuality she is more in control than her male counterpart.  Whatever Ryan desires, he has not met anyone like Michelle.  If she survives, what will a liberated Michelle look like? Available on Netflix,