Name: Love and Leashes
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2022-02-11T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Seohyun, Lee Jun-young, Lee El, Seo Hyun-woo, Kim Han-na

The opening scene of Love and Leashes is a doozy: Seohyun’s Jung Ji-woo, a no-nonsense PR manager, opens a package meant for her colleague Jung Ji-hoo (Lee Jun-young) to find a leather collar, leash, and—crucially—a sex shop coupon tumbling out. The awkwardness is palpable, but so is the film’s promise: it won’t shy away from its kinky premise.

Directed by Park Hyun-jin and based on Gyeoul’s webtoon Moral Sense, this 2022 Netflix romantic comedy dives into the consensual power dynamics between Ji-hoo, a man with secret BDSM desires, and Ji-woo, who reluctantly agrees to dominate him. The setup is intriguing—two coworkers navigating professionalism while indulging in private play—and Park’s direction leans into the tension. Seohyun delivers a standout performance as Ji-woo, particularly when she transitions from exasperated colleague to confident dominant. Her scene where she blindfolds Ji-hoo and demands his reasons for choosing her is electric, showcasing both her character’s growth and Seohyun’s ability to balance vulnerability with authority.

Lee Jun-young, however, falters in moments that require emotional depth. His Ji-hoo is often reduced to a wide-eyed submissive, and while the role demands innocence, his delivery occasionally veers into awkwardness rather than charm. The chemistry between him and Seohyun is undeniable, but it’s one-sided—Seohyun carries their dynamic with precision, while Lee Jun-young struggles to match her intensity in key scenes.

The film’s structure is its greatest strength. Park Hyun-jin crafts a tight narrative that balances workplace comedy with the growing intimacy between Ji-woo and Ji-hoo. The scenes of their BDSM play are shot with care—never exploitative, always emphasizing consent and mutual pleasure. A standout moment is their impromptu office session, where the risk of being caught heightens the thrill. The sound design here is particularly effective, amplifying every whisper and gasp to create an immersive atmosphere.

Yet Love and Leashes stumbles in its pacing. The third act rushes through Ji-woo’s emotional resolution, cutting short what could have been a poignant exploration of her feelings for Ji-hoo. The abrupt introduction of his ex-girlfriend Hana (Kim Bo-ra) feels like a narrative shortcut rather than organic character development. Additionally, the film’s attempt to tackle workplace misogyny—through Ji-woo’s treatment by male colleagues—is compelling but underdeveloped. It’s a missed opportunity to deepen the story beyond its central romance.

As a romantic comedy with kink, Love and Leashes fits snugly into Netflix’s catalog of unconventional love stories. Its originality lies in its unapologetic portrayal of BDSM as part of a healthy relationship, though it occasionally leans too heavily on trope-driven humor. The supporting cast—particularly EL as Ji-woo’s friend Hye-mi and Seo Hyun-woo as Team Leader Hwang—adds levity but feels underutilized. Hye-mi’s subplot involving a violent dominant at a BDSM-themed hotel is intriguing but resolves too quickly, leaving little room for emotional impact.

Comparatively, Love and Leashes shares DNA with films like Secretary (2002) and The Duke of Burgundy (2014), which also explore power dynamics in romantic relationships. However, where those films delve into psychological complexity, Park Hyun-jin’s approach is lighter, prioritizing accessibility over depth. This choice makes the film more palatable for mainstream audiences but sacrifices some of its potential to challenge or subvert expectations.

Thematically, Love and Leashes treads familiar ground. It champions self-acceptance and consensual exploration, but its messaging sometimes feels rote. The film’s attempt to address Ji-hoo’s shame over his desires is compelling, especially in the scene where he tearfully admits his past heartbreak. However, this emotional beat is undercut by subsequent scenes that prioritize comedy over character development.

Visually, Love and Leashes is polished but unremarkable. Park Hyun-jin’s direction leans into vibrant production design—particularly in Ji-woo’s office and the BDSM-themed hotel—but lacks distinctive cinematography or framing to elevate it beyond a standard rom-com aesthetic. The film’s color palette is muted during workplace scenes, shifting to richer tones when Ji-woo and Ji-hoo engage in their play sessions, but these choices feel more functional than artistic.

The film’s soundtrack also deserves mention. The score balances playful whimsy with moments of tension, effectively underscoring the tonal shifts between comedy and drama. However, the lack of a standout musical motif limits its emotional resonance.

Ultimately, Love and Leashes is a solid but unexceptional entry in the romantic comedy genre. It’s clear Park Hyun-jin had a vision for a nuanced exploration of kink and consent within a workplace setting, but the film struggles to balance humor, romance, and deeper thematic elements without feeling rushed or superficial.

Audiences looking for a lighthearted romp with BDSM themes will find much to enjoy here, particularly in Seohyun’s commanding performance. However, those seeking emotional depth or narrative complexity may leave underwhelmed.