Watch The Ceremony

The Ceremony is a French film from 2014, directed by Lina Mannheimer. The movie surrounds the life and routine of Domina, a fascinating 85-year-old woman who is world-renowned for her sadomasochistic personality. Domina is none other than Catherine Robbe-Grillet, a famous author, and dominatrix who, according to her fans, is a pioneer and an example in BDSM, a field that is growing in popularity in the world.

The movie follows Domina's routine, which consists of daily ceremonies where she indulges in BDSM sessions with her female submissive, Anne, and those who pay high prices to be dominated by Domina. The sessions are filmed, and Domina has made an art of the rituals that are part of each session. The film shows the performance Domina would put on during each session, from the humiliation and punishment to the use of the leather and latex clothing that domineers. It's not just about the physical dominance of her sessions, but her presence and aura in the room that entrances her followers. Domina is elegant, well-read, and exudes a sense of control, and that is why her sessions are so intoxicating.

When Domina receives an invitation to perform in front of a live audience during a public ceremony, she is both excited and nervous. For her, it is an invitation to teach and lecture about BDSM and create awareness among the people who would come to the ceremony. Domina experiences severe stage fright and hesitation, however, she has a compelling urge to push herself to do more, to showcase her talent to the world.

The Ceremony is a riveting exploration into the unique and private world of BDSM that is often seen as taboo by society. The movie showcases Domina's world and how she practices BDSM art and theatre, as well as her teachings and lessons that often go beyond sexual pleasure. For her, BDSM is an art, and she sees it as a way for people to connect on an emotional and spiritual level.

Domina is a complex and multi-dimensional character and the film goes beyond her sessions and shows her personal life as well. It is important to note that the movie does not show any explicit nudity or sexual acts but focuses on Domina as a character, her personality, beliefs, and practices.

The other characters in the movie include Anne, Domina's submissive, who has her own personality and struggles to understand her identity as a submissive. Then there is Dominique, Domina's faithful servant, who is supportive of her work and helps in the management of the sessions, making sure that everything runs smoothly.

The film is shot in black and white, which gives a vintage and timeless feeling to it, and the soundtrack is minimalistic, adding to the ambiance of the film. The Ceremony also examines the place of women in society and the taboo of women older in age, making it less about BDSM and more about identity.

Director Lina Mannheimer does an excellent job of emphasizing the art and theatre of BDSM and creates a captivating portrait of Domina's life. The movie is not for everyone, however, those looking for something unique and intrepid will find The Ceremony an engaging and satisfying experience.

To summarize, The Ceremony is a thought-provoking and intense film that explores the world of BDSM, with a particular focus on analysis and interpretation of the human experience. It is a film that challenges convention and preconceptions while presenting a complex yet intriguing set of characters that will leave an impression long after the film has ended.

The Ceremony is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.