Submission

Submission, a tantalizing erotic drama series aired on Showtime in 2016, artfully explores the multilayered dynamics of human sexuality against the backdrop of contemporary society. Over the course of six riveting episodes, the audience is imbued with a narrative densely packed with seduction, power, and profound exploration of human desires. Distancing itself from orthodox portrayals of erotica, Submission manifests a rare blend of narrative depth and aesthetic excellence, making the show an enthralling journey that peaks curiosity and invites thoughtful reflection. The plot of Submission centers around Ashley, the central protagonist, played by talented actress Ashlynn Yennie, who graces the show with her striking performance. She is an ambitious, intelligent, and conventional woman who appears to have achieved everything in life. However, Ashley is trapped in an unfulfilling relationship. Her world begins to change when she stumbles upon an erotic novel, "SLAVE" penned by an anonymous writer named Nolan Keats. Intrigued by the book's content, Ashley is drawn into a spiral of desire and craving for a world beyond the boundaries of her comfort zone. As Ashley becomes increasingly engrossed in the explicit world their book conveys, she discovers hidden depths to her own sexuality. A parallel narrative starts to weave into the story that revolves around a mysterious relationship between a lawyer and his mistress, adding more layers to the already captivating drama. Ashley's character is portrayed in a multifaceted light that not only includes her explorations into the realm of BDSM, but also her dealings with the the complexities of the heart, from love to passion to desire and lust. Through Ashley's experience, the audience is captivated by the unraveling of societal taboos, questioning their own perceptions of intimacy, control, and consent. Submission captures a realistic, authentic, and yet raw portrayal of the BDSM community and does not shy away from exploring its nuances with deep sensitivity. This balances the show's enticing intrigue with a message of considerate understanding and respect for sexual preferences that are out of mainstream society's conventional views. Throughout the show, the character development is engaging, the script is brilliantly written, and the performances by the talented cast are captivating. The directors, Paul Fishbein and Jacky St. James, have done an outstanding job of intertwining the elements of erotica with a profound storyline that resonates with the audience on multiple levels. Moreover, the creative adaptation of the original book in a visual storytelling medium adds a unique charm to the very essence of Submission. The role of the writer Nolan Keats keeps the audience guessing till the end, making the drama even more gripping. One of the most noteworthy aspects of Submission is how it respects the audience's intelligence. The series ably avoids the common pitfall of over sexualisation that tends to befall most of the shows in its genre. It consistently maintains a thoughtful balance between aesthetics and narrative, making it more than just another adult-themed series. The cinematography and locations are meticulously crafted, aligning seamlessly with the narrative and establishing a dark yet mystifying atmosphere that draws the audience in. All in all, Submission is designed not just to titillate the viewers, but to allow them an in-depth understanding of the BDSM lifestyle, underscoring the importance of trust, communication, and consent in these relationships. It presents an unflinchingly honest and vulnerable depiction of characters who explore their sexuality, breaking away from the societal norms of traditional relationships. Submission leaves its viewers deeply engaged, not just through its erotic twists and turns, but by its exploration into the depths of human sexuality. It stimulates viewers' thoughts, pushing them to experience and understand unconventional desires as seen through the protagonist’s perspective. While Submission may not be a show for everyone, it undeniably has something important to say. It is more than just an erotic drama. Submission is a brave and bold exploration of human sexuality that challenges and inspires its viewers to question societal norms surrounding intimacy and desire.

Submission is a series categorized as a returning series. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 6 episodes, the show debuted on 2016. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 5.4.