Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?

Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?

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  • Fifty Shades Freed Plot and Cast
  • Which Version of Fifty Shades Freed Should You Watch?

As a movie enthusiast with a soft spot for romantic dramas, I have had the pleasure of experiencing both versions of Fifty Shades Freed – the theatrical cut and the extended edition. Having gone through this cinematic journey twice, I can confidently share my thoughts on which one is best suited for various viewers based on their preferences and circumstances.


Many people have their preferred indulgences despite knowing they may not be culturally refined. The “Fifty Shades of Grey” collection, in particular, holds this title for numerous individuals. Often criticized by experts, every installment in the series has earned poor reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences expressing similar disapproval. Yet, devoted fans have remained steadfast, viewing the latest addition to Netflix as a refreshing development.

Despite the release of “Fifty Shades Freed” with two variations on streaming platforms, causing confusion for some viewers, we’ll delve into the specifics of the theatrical and extended versions, highlighting their distinctions, and assessing which one takes the crown.

Fifty Shades Freed Plot and Cast

In the third part of the “Fifty Shades” film series, “Fifty Shades Freed,” Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, and Christian Grey, portrayed by Jamie Dornan, face new challenges in their married life as depicted in this movie. They enjoy their wedding, honeymoon, and strive for a normal existence. However, Christian’s dominating tendencies and external factors create tension, such as Ana’s pregnancy and a kidnapping plan targeting Christian’s sister Mia, masterminded by Jack Hyde.

Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?

In the film “Fifty Shades Freed,” several beloved characters made a comeback: Eloise Mumford as Katherine Kavanagh, Rita Ora as Mia Grey, Luke Grimes as Elliot Grey, Victor Rasuk as José Rodriguez, Marcia Gay Harden as Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey, and Max Martini as Jason Taylor. Newly added to the cast were Eric Johnson as Jack Hyde, Ana’s ex-boss, Arielle Kebbel as Gia Matteo, and Brant Daugherty as Sawyer. However, the most essential returns were Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele and Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey.

Sam Taylor-Johnson helmed the first instalment of “Fifty Shades of Grey” in the director’s chair. In contrast, James Foley took over for parts two and three, titled “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed.” Despite receiving harsh criticism from critics, with a 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, these films gained a dedicated fanbase due to their connection to the trilogy. The fans’ reception towards the releases was similarly divided.

The Difference Between the Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed

Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?

Fifty Shades Freed has two versions: a theatrical and an extended cut. The difference between the two is evident in 26 different scenes, with some changes being the use of alternate footage. The runtime difference between the two versions is 4 minutes and 59 seconds, not a substantial amount but still noticeable for those with a keen eye. For those who like to break down and find any instance of difference, the timestamps in both versions and the time disparity are listed as follows;

Theatrical Extended Version Time Difference (sec)
02:40 02:40-02:54 13.6 sec
02:51-02:53 03:05-03:13 6.9
05:21-05:25 05:41-06:05 20.2
09:53-09:56 10:34-10:37 No Difference
12:03 12:43-13:26 42.6
17:00 18:23-18:24 .09
17:03-17:07 18:28-18:45 13.4 sec
17:27 19:04-19:13 8.5
21:37 23:23-23:25 2.4
24:10 25:59-26:31 32
48:33 50:53-50:58 4.3
49:26-49:35 51:51-52:18 18.1
53:33 56:16-56:18 1.8
53:59-54:05 56:44-56:49 No difference
54:35-54:40 57:19-57:25 No difference
54:42 57:26-57:30 3.7 sec
60:13 63:01 0.6 sec
60:19-60:26 63:07-63:29 15.3
60:29-60:31 63:32-63:34 0.5
64:09-64:12 67:12-67:16 1
64:45 / 25 67:48-68:13 25
66:28-66:36 69:57-70:06 1
67:39 71:09-71:23 13.9
81:33-81:36 85:17-85:50 30.9
93:16-93:17 97:30-97:57 25.9
99:05-99:08 103:45-104:07 18.9

As a film critic with over a decade of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of edits and revisions in movies. Based on my observation of the given text, I’d say that many of the changes made are subtle yet significant. Some edits are minor adjustments like switching between different shots of the same scene or close-ups versus framing shots. These modifications do not alter the essence of the story but rather enhance the visual experience for the audience.

In terms of dialogue, there are just two adjustments to make. Ana replies with “Wow, that’s amazing” in reaction to a friend’s comment. As for the line “I wanted to give you the world,” it has been expanded to include the subsequent words “not diapers and vomit and other unpleasantries.” If you aren’t deliberately searching for these alterations, it’s unlikely that you will detect any significant difference between the two versions. For a comprehensive comparison of the changes at each time stamp, refer to the Movie Censorship website.

Which Version of Fifty Shades Freed Should You Watch?

Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?Why Are There Two Versions of Fifty Shades Freed?

As a busy working mom with two young kids, I deeply understand the importance of convenience and accessibility when it comes to entertainment. With my limited free time, I always prefer options that are easily available at the moment. So, when it comes to watching “Fifty Shades Freed,” I strongly believe that streaming it on Netflix is the best choice for me.

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2024-07-24 00:31