The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

British filmmaker Peter Strickland was influenced by Spain’s sexploitation auteur Jesús Franco when he wrote and directed The Duke of Burgundy (2014) — not to be confused with the American action comedy The Dukes of Hazzard (2005) featuring Jessica Simpson or the English period piece The Duchess (2008) starring Keira Knightley. This romantic drama explores just how far people will push their boundaries in order to make someone they care for happy. Take, for example, the complex relationship between lovers Evelyn (Chiara D’Anna) and Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen). Both are into lepidopterology. No, that’s not another name for lesbianism (though that label also fits them). Instead, it’s the scientific study of moths and butterflies. Yet while Evelyn studies the topic, Cynthia lectures on it. In other words, the latter lady has the dominant role. This also extends to their home life since Evelyn works as a maid in Cynthia’s house. Needless to say, Evelyn has a submissive position in more ways than one! Indeed, Cynthia will discipline her servant if she doesn’t complete a chore perfectly. She even insists that Evelyn sleep in a trunk for punishment. Kinky! Luckily for us, we get to see Ms. Knudsen donning black lace panties. If that’s not arousing enough, she reveals her nipple during a flesh-back scene. Perhaps that’s why the movie won the Grand Jury Prize at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Granted, this is slightly ironic since Philly is known as the City of Brotherly Love and this erotic flick is about sisterly lust!