The third part of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy premieres Thursday, February 8th at the Geneva Movieplex along with thousands of theaters around the country. Many fans interpret the release date as convenient because it falls right around Valentine’s Day. Yet, many collegiate women celebrating Galentine’s on February 13th have admitted that they believe they are far more likely to go to a viewing with their single friends than their peers in relationships are. The general consensus is that the movie makes for the perfect girls night out; no boys allowed! (or invited, anyway). Those who are in a relationship and still want to see the film usually don’t even go with their partner.
I interviewed some Hobart and William Smith students to find out the deal!
So what is the appeal for such exclusivity?
Clare Long: William Smith College “Going with your partner makes it seem like you want to experiment when that’s totally not the case.”
Marissa Boiano: Fordham University “Society makes it feel like women have to hide their sexuality. Not everyone can outwardly say that they want to go see a BDSM movie.” (Even though there is a love story). “Going in bigger groups definitely avoids any embarrassment.”
Eileen Lent: William Smith College “I can’t gawk at Christian Grey with my boyfriend right next to me! I think any partner would be the jealous type in that scenario.”
Arielle O’Connor: Geneseo University “It’s been long established that girls mature faster than boys. If I were to go with a boy (partner of preference) or even a guy friend, I would totally not be able to get through the film without hearing giggling or jokes every two seconds.”
But, what do the guys have to say?
Brian Haeffner: Hobart College “It’s not that guys don’t go in order to make some sort of point about machismo. Some guys genuinely might not be interested. After all the movie is tailored towards a specific audience.”
Matt O’neil: Boston College “I don’t know much about the series but I can see how some women might find its concept problematic, so I just avoid going. I don’t want it to be assumed that just because I go see a movie, I identify with its male lead.”
Whether you plan to watch with a romantic partner, a friend, or even a Jamie Dornan fan-club, be sure to make sure everyone is on board before attending James Foley’s final chapter, “Fifty Shades Freed.”