The Duke of Burgundy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two butterfly enthusiasts whose romantic relationship consists of an endless series of highly choreographed role-playing sessions slowly realize that maybe pinning butterflies isn’t the only thing that’s stifling their love life.

🍿 The Duke of Burgundy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Ritual Begins

The film opens portraying Cynthia and Evelyn engaging in a meticulously orchestrated sadomasochistic ritual. Evelyn acts as Cynthia’s maid, seemingly inept at her chores and routinely punished by her mistress. This punishment is part of their established dynamic.

Revealing the Truth

It’s revealed that the power dynamic isn’t as it seems. Evelyn is the true architect of these scenarios, scripting Cynthia’s actions and words. Cynthia, while seemingly dominant, is fulfilling Evelyn’s desires for a specific type of control and punishment. The film explores how the repetitiveness of this role-playing affects their relationship.

Cracks in the Façade

As the ritualistic performances continue, Cynthia begins to feel stifled and longs for a more genuine connection with Evelyn. Evelyn, on the other hand, seeks to deepen their taboos and push the boundaries of their established dynamic. This divergence in desires creates tension and threatens to unravel their relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen): A lepidopterologist and the older partner in a lesbian relationship, struggling to maintain a BDSM dynamic that her lover desires.
• Evelyn (Chiara D’Anna): A lepidopterology student and the younger partner, who meticulously scripts their BDSM interactions while pushing the boundaries of their relationship.
• Dr. Lurida (Kata Bartsch): An entomologist who presents at the all-female entomology seminars.
• Dr. Schuller (Zita Kraszkó): An entomologist who attends the all-female entomology seminars.
• The Carpenter (Fatma Mohamed): A craftsperson who creates erotic furniture and fetish items for Cynthia and Evelyn.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cynthia: “Oh, if we could all just say Pinastri to end our torments.” – Cynthia expresses her desire for a simple solution to their relationship problems, referencing their safe word.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $64,521
• Worldwide Gross: $185,147

💥 The Duke of Burgundy Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Duke of Burgundy’ to be a fascinating film, but it definitely isn’t for everyone. The dreamlike atmosphere and focus on the psychological elements of the relationship were interesting, but at times I felt like the lack of a clear narrative made it difficult to fully connect with the characters. The visuals are stunning, and the soundtrack really enhanced the mood, but be prepared for a slow and unconventional experience. The director has a certain style, but this art-house movie had a little difficulty fully capturing and maintaining my focus the entire way through.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of art house cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
  • “Those seeking thought-provoking explorations of sexuality and relationships”
  • “People who appreciate unique visual and auditory styles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of BDSM”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Psychological themes that may be disturbing to some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety Film + TV: “Strickland creates a visually stunning and unsettling world. The Duke of Burgundy is an intoxicating brew of dark, atmospheric erotica. It demands its audience closely observe everything before its eyes.
• IMDb User Review: “A tantalising study of the dynamics of control and satisfaction in relationships. It’s a cold film, one concerned with artificial superficialities rather than depth and emotion. With its exclusively female cast almost in isolation, it’s hard to ignore that the film and its sex scenes are seen through the male gaze of writer/director, rather than an authentic representation of what these relationships are most likely like.
• IMDb User Review: “The homage/pastiche elements of the film are done perfectly – anyone who has ever seen a 70s European sexploitation film will immediately recognise the stylised titles, the breathy soundtrack, the use of smoke and mirrors to imply you are seeing more than is actually displayed on screen.

Audience Reactions

Many loved the film’s unique visual style and atmosphere.: Most viewers enjoyed the film’s beautiful cinematography and haunting score.

Some viewers found the story too slow and repetitive.: Mixed reactions to the pacing; some appreciated the slow burn, others found it boring.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and psychologically intriguing film that might not appeal to all viewers due to its slow pace and unconventional storytelling.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s title comes from the name of a butterfly species, ‘The Duke of Burgundy,’ reflecting the entomological themes explored in the story.”
• “Director Peter Strickland drew inspiration from 1970s European erotic thrillers, aiming to create a film that felt both sensual and unsettling.”
• “Monica Swinn, who plays Lorna, had previously starred in several films by Jess Franco, known for his exploitation cinema.”
• “The film was shot in Hungary, utilizing the country’s locations to create a unique and visually striking atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Duke of Burgundy?

As of October 26, 2023, ‘The Duke of Burgundy’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Duke of Burgundy, you might like these similar films:

• Secretary (2002): Explores themes of dominance and submission in a unique and unconventional relationship.
• Berberian Sound Studio (2012): Another film by Peter Strickland, sharing a similar stylistic and atmospheric approach.
• Persona (1966): Explores the complex psychological relationship between two women in an isolated setting, questioning identity and performance.

🛒 The Duke of Burgundy Related Products

• The Duke of Burgundy [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray disc featuring the film. Perfect for collectors who appreciate the film’s visual style and themes. Enhanced viewing experience.
• Peter Strickland: Berberian Sound Studio / The Duke of Burgundy (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: The Criterion Collection release showcases Berberian Sound Studio and The Duke of Burgundy in the highest audiovisual quality with special features. This edition includes commentary, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Butterfly Specimen Display Case: A beautiful display case to showcase preserved butterflies. A nod to the character’s entomology work, create your own collection.
• Lace Lingerie Set: Elegant lace lingerie for women, similar to the costume style of characters in The Duke of Burgundy. A very good gift for any women in your life.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Duke of Burgundy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Forest Intro” – performed by Cat’s Eyes
• “The Fields That We Know” – performed by Cat’s Eyes

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Peter Strickland, Sidse Babett Knudsen & Chiara D’Anna – The Duke of Burgundy – BFI LFF Interviews

Ever wondered what the director and stars were thinking while making ‘The Duke of Burgundy’? This interview gives you a peek behind the curtain – I found Strickland’s explanation of the film’s themes super interesting!

The Film Gang Review: The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

Want to know if ‘The Duke of Burgundy’ is your kind of film before diving in? This review breaks down the film’s strengths and weaknesses – I totally agree with their take on the visuals!

✨ Rate