Bonding on Netflix: My Thoughts
So, Netflix has released an exclusive series about A New York City grad student moonlighting as a dominatrix enlists her gay BFF from high school to be her assistant.
I had the honour of watching some episodes with a fellow professional Dominatrix and dear friend, Mistress Cleo Kali (https://twitter.com/CleoKali) recently and while we were both equally nervous and excited to see how our industry was to be portrayed on another mainstream platform, we went in with an open mind.
Let’s start with the positives. The art direction and production values of the series is very good. Being a neon addict, i loved the use of colour on set, clean sets and photography. Well done producers and set directors.
The consistency of acting is good (Brendan Scannell is endearing and loveable as Pete) and the storyline is what the storyline is.
My issues are, as a Pro Domme & Sex Worker, is that it feels like there was no one with authority consulted to portray authenticity and true to life examples of what we do and why. There’s the ill fitting corset, the O-Ring collar that the community would identify as a sign of a submissive (Does she switch? Do the writers even know what that means?), no demonstration of client screening, negotiation of session or consent, etc.
I’m also confused if the intent is to be comedy or drama? If it is a comedy, I’m more than sure that people who practice BDSM personally and professionally who have experienced the positive and life changing effects of their kink didn’t find aspects of Bonding laughable.
Not to focus on the negatives completely here. I was excited to that a community, lifestyle and profession that I love so dearly was getting another mainstream air time post Fifty Shades of Grey and, this time, it would be more accurate and somewhat educational. While I had the odd giggle (mainly at the nonsense), sadly, I have not been won over.
I encourage you to watch Bonding for yourself and see how it resonates with you.
Link to view Bonding below: