Movies about sadomasochism - Mental Health Related Films

Human lives and behaviour are far more nuanced and emotive than any psychiatric diagnostic system or symptom checklist can ever portray.

Most people recognise aspects of themselves in at least a few psychiatric diagnostic categories. The difference between normal and disorder is not straightforward and often has more to do with degree rather than kind, i.e. does it cause big problems?

While movies are not perfect depictions of reality, they often present themes in relatable, enriching, usefully challenging, and thought-provoking ways.

We invite you to explore mental health through movies that raise awareness, open dialogue, present complexity, entertain, and/or normalise experiences.

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What is Sadomasochism ?

Sadomasochism is a combination of the words sadism and masochism which are types of paraphilias . sexual sadism means to take pleasure in inflicting pain on others, and sexual masochism, to take pleasure in pain inflicted on you. Inclinings of these behaviours express themselves, in varying degrees, in many (if not most) people's relationships.

In psychiatry, pathological degrees of sexual sadism and sexual masochism are defined in the DSM-5 (psychiatric diagnostic manual) as follows 9criteria are …

Sexual Sadism Disorder 302.84 (F65.52)

A. Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent and intense sexual arousal from the physical or psychological suffering of another person, as manifested by fantasies, urges, or behaviours.

B. The individual has acted on these sexual urges with a nonconsenting person, or the sexual urges or fantasies cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Sexual Masochism Disorder 302.83 (F65.51)

A. Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent and intense sexual arousal from the act of being humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise made to suffer, as manifested by fantasies, urges, or behaviours.

B. The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviours cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Movies about Sexual sadism and sexual masochism disorder

If we missed an essential film about sexual sadism and sexual masochism disorder, please let us know. We would love to include it.

Note: Movies may trigger painful memories and emotions. Please use your judgement and ensure support is available if need be.

Movie Title: The Ceremony

Release: 2014

Rated: 5.7

Cast: Catherine Robbe-Grillet, Beverly Charpentier, Dominique Corringer

Storyline: Catherine Robbe-Grillet, an 84-year-old figure, defies the conventional dynamics of power and submission, as well as the intersections of sensuality and physical pain, establishing herself as the renowned dominatrix in France's world of sadomasochism.

Movie Title: Sleeping Beauty - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2011

Rated: 5.3

Cast: Emily Browning, Rachael Blake, Ewen Leslie

Storyline: A young university student portrayed by Emily Browning, who takes on a part-time job that involves catering to the preferences of rich men who enjoy the company of nude, sleeping young women. The film's exploration of power dynamics, unconventional desires, and the transactional nature of relationships may intersect with elements commonly associated with sadomasochism.

Movie Title: Dogs Don't Wear Pants - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2019

Rated: 6.8

Cast: Pekka Strang, Ester Geislerová, Ellen Karppo

Storyline: A grieving widower seeks solace and emotional transformation through a BDSM dominatrix.

Movie Title: Hellraiser - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2022

Rated: 6.0

Cast: Odessa A’zion, Jamie Clayton, Adam Faison

Storyline: A young woman struggling with addiction comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box. The story delves into the themes of sadomasochism.

Movie Title: Ichi the Killer - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2001

Rated: 7.0

Cast: Tadanobu Asano, Nao Ômori, Shin'ya Tsukamoto

Storyline: The yakuza enforcer searches for his missing boss he comes across Ichi, a repressed and psychotic killer. The movie explores extreme sadomasochism.

Movie Title: Pleasure (TV Show) - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2021

Rated: 6.4

Cast: Sofia Kappel, Zelda Morrison, Evelyn Claire

Storyline: Bella Cherry arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of becoming an adult film star. But she quickly discovers that fame does not come easily. The explicit scenes involves sadomasochism, psychological and physical abuse.

Movie Title: Fifty Shades of Grey - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2015

Rated: 4.1

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Jennifer Ehle

Storyline: A female college student goes to interview a young businessman. The girl likes him and he likes her too but on his own terms. The two get involved in sadomasochism.

Movie Title: Misery - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1990

Rated: 7.8

Cast: James Caan, Kathy Bates

Storyline: After a serious car crash, the novelist is rescued by a former nurse named Annie. She has bipolar disorder , a severe borderline personality disorder with schizoid and obsessive-compulsive features, and sadomasochism. Annie becomes violent as she forces the author to change his writing to suit her twisted fantasies.

Movie Title: Secretary - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2002

Rated: 7.1

Cast: James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Storyline: A young woman with a history of severe emotional problems is placed in a mental institution where she finds work as a secretary. She explores sadomasochism with the rigid (obsessive-compulsive) attorney she meets.

References and Links

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

More on sexual sadism: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/sexuality-and-sexual-disorders/sexual-sadism-disorder

More on sexual masochism: https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/qa/what-is-sexual-masochism

Sexual sadism according to Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_sadism_disorder

Sexual masochism according to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_masochism_disorder

Acknowledgements

The above article was written under my close direction and supervision. However, much credit goes to Charlene Poliquit (my right-hand man) and Andri Eigenberger (my beloved aunt) for their huge efforts in bringing this task to life.

Vincenzo Sinisi