Sydney Sweeney: Exploring Power Dynamics in Her Roles

To understand how Sweeney's work intersects with themes often associated with BDSM, it's crucial to acknowledge that power dynamics are ubiquitous. They exist in friendships, family relationships, professional settings, and romantic partnerships, extending far beyond the confines of explicit sexual practices. BDSM, at its core, is about the consensual negotiation of power, control, and sensation, often for pleasure or self-discovery. When we observe Sweeney's characters, we often see them grappling with these very elements – seeking control, surrendering it, or being subjected to it, albeit within dramatic, non-explicit contexts. This exploration allows for a deeper understanding of human psychology and the complex ways individuals seek connection, validation, and agency. Sydney Sweeney's ability to embody characters who are both fragile and formidable, vulnerable yet manipulative, provides a rich ground for discussing these underlying power dynamics. She consistently portrays individuals who, through their actions and reactions, invite audiences to consider the intricate dance of dominance and submission that shapes their fictional worlds. Her performances invite us to consider the emotional and psychological landscapes of power, often showcasing how characters respond to, seek, or lose control within their relationships.

Sydney Sweeney's portrayal of Cassie Howard in HBO's Euphoria is a masterclass in depicting a character driven by a desperate need for love and acceptance, often leading her into relationships marked by significant power imbalances. Cassie's journey is characterized by a yearning for male validation, which makes her susceptible to manipulation and, at times, puts her in psychologically submissive positions. She "searches for love in other people and acceptance, and [is] scared of being alone." This inherent vulnerability makes her a prime subject for exploring themes related to control and submission, albeit not in an explicitly sexual BDSM context. In Euphoria, Cassie's relationship with Nate Jacobs, a character who embodies toxic masculinity and a desire for absolute control, is particularly illuminating. Nate exercises psychological dominance over Cassie, exploiting her insecurities and her desperate need to be loved. Cassie's willingness to go to extreme lengths—lying to her best friend, enduring public humiliation, and sacrificing her own well-being—to maintain Nate's attention reflects a profound submissive dynamic. She becomes almost entirely consumed by his desires, losing her sense of self in the process. As Sweeney herself noted, Cassie "thinks and does everything from her heart, without actually using her brain so everything is just it's so emotional. And it's so heavy on her." This emotional intensity and lack of self-preservation highlight a form of psychological surrender, where her agency is severely diminished by her attachment to Nate's validation. The show frequently showcases Cassie's physical vulnerability and emotional transparency, often through explicit scenes that, while not BDSM, underscore themes of exposure, scrutiny, and the performative aspect of her sexuality in pursuit of acceptance. Her breakdowns, her attempts to conform to Nate's idealized image, and her increasingly erratic behavior are all symptoms of a person losing control, willingly or unwillingly, within a dominant relationship. Sweeney stated that playing Cassie required her to "go to places that are dark or happy like Cassie did all over the place," embracing the character's "rollercoaster emotions." This emotional journey, marked by desperation and a loss of autonomy, provides a narrative lens through which to consider the psychological elements of submission and the desire to please that can exist outside of formal BDSM practices. Moreover, the power dynamics extend to her relationship with her sister, Lexi. While not explicitly dominant or submissive, Cassie's envy and Lexi's eventual public exposé of Cassie's actions during the school play highlight a shift in power, with Lexi momentarily asserting a form of narrative control over Cassie's public image and personal life. Cassie is "a female who feels victimized by their own sexuality. She confuses infatuation with love, and martyrs herself just to get the dopamine high that she feels when she becomes infatuated and obsessed with a man who reciprocates that same infatuation." This self-victimization and obsession further cement the idea of her character being in a state of emotional submission to her desires and external validation. Sydney Sweeney has spoken about the challenges of playing Cassie, noting that she often finds characters she doesn't connect to interesting as a challenge to "better my craft." Her ability to deeply inhabit Cassie's desperate and often self-destructive quest for love and acceptance, even while admitting she would "be scared of her" in real life, demonstrates her profound understanding of the psychological forces at play. The character's continuous struggle with self-worth and her willingness to compromise herself for the affection of others resonate deeply with the inherent power imbalances that are foundational to BDSM, even if the context is purely dramatic and emotional. As Season 3 of Euphoria approaches, Sweeney has teased that Cassie will become "crazier" and the season "unhinged," suggesting an even deeper dive into her character's volatile internal world and the continued exploration of how she navigates relationships and her own desires in increasingly extreme ways.

In stark contrast to Cassie's emotional vulnerability, Sydney Sweeney's portrayal of Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus offers a different, yet equally compelling, exploration of power dynamics. Olivia is presented as an "icy millennial daughter" who is "confident, witty and a little intimidating." Her form of dominance is intellectual and psychological, marked by a shrewd manipulation of those around her, particularly her best friend Paula. While there are no overt sexual power dynamics, Olivia's character perfectly exemplifies the non-sexual facets of control and psychological sadism. Olivia's cruelty is described as "premeditated, and always lurking." She "revels in it, as we see during her interaction with Rachel (Alexandra Daddario) by the side of the pool." She wields her intelligence and privileged position as weapons, using passive aggression, cutting remarks, and subtle gaslighting to maintain an unspoken dominance over her social circle. She "cuts down her family and others with her scathing and unimpressed remarks while manipulating her best friend, Paula." Her desire for control is evident in her growing frustration when Paula attempts to assert independence or keep secrets from her, indicating a "loss of power and control on two fronts." This need to be at the "centrepiece" of her universe, where "everything always revolves around Olivia; Olivia is always the one who gets everything," drives her manipulative behavior. The dynamic between Olivia and Paula becomes a psychological battle of wills, with Olivia subtly imposing her will and expectations, and Paula attempting to resist. One notable instance of Olivia's dominance is her reaction when Paula starts a romantic relationship with Kai, a hotel employee. Olivia's "ire" and feeling that "Olivia loses it when doesn't have control over the situation" underscore her need to control Paula's actions and relationships. This desire for absolute control over her friend's life, even to the point of trying to undermine her happiness, resonates with themes of psychological dominance. Even after learning that Paula was involved in the attempted robbery of her family's jewelry, Olivia's decision not to expose her could be interpreted not as an act of kindness, but as a calculated move to maintain leverage and ensure Paula remains in her orbit, under her subtle influence. As one Reddit user observed, Olivia might be "a complete narcissist playing the long game and knows she can manipulate Paula indefinitely over what she did. She gets to keep her black friend to uphold her 'street cred' as Paula refers to and doesn't have to worry about Paula trying to get away from her or betray her in the future." This interpretation highlights a chilling, long-term form of psychological control. Sweeney herself found playing Olivia intriguing precisely because the character is "so far from myself, so it's fun to just dive into this. I'm so terrified of Olivia [and] it's really fun playing a character that you're scared of." This admission speaks volumes about the unsettling nature of Olivia's calculated cruelty and her inherent dominance. Her performance "inverts the girl next door persona to invoke the discomfort that is so central to The White Lotus." Olivia's power comes not from physical force or explicit commands, but from her intellect, her social standing, and her willingness to deploy psychological tactics to maintain the upper hand. In this sense, her character offers a nuanced portrayal of psychological dominance, one where the "sting" is delivered not through physical pain, but through sharp words and undermining actions.

Sydney Sweeney's consistent selection of roles that feature intense psychological and emotional landscapes demonstrates her dedication to exploring the complexities of human agency, control, and vulnerability. She has expressed a desire to choose roles that are "vastly different" from who she truly is, seeking challenges to "better my craft." This deliberate choice allows her to inhabit characters like Cassie and Olivia, who, despite their vastly different expressions, both grapple with significant power dynamics. The fascination with characters who engage in such dynamics, whether through a desperate need for submission or a calculated exercise of dominance, reflects a broader societal interest in the spectrum of human behavior. Media, including film and television, often serves as a safe space to explore these themes, allowing audiences to process and understand aspects of human nature that might be considered taboo or uncomfortable in everyday life. Works like Fifty Shades of Grey, though often criticized for their portrayal of BDSM, brought discussions of power exchange and consensual limits into mainstream popular culture, demonstrating a widespread curiosity. Sweeney's performances contribute to this ongoing dialogue by presenting multifaceted female characters who are not merely passive objects of the "male gaze," but active participants in their own narratives of power and desire, even if those desires lead to fraught outcomes. While some discussions about her public persona have touched on the concept of the "male gaze" in relation to her career, academics like Hannah Yelin note that Sweeney, in roles such as hosting SNL, "is in the agentic role. She has agency. She acts, not just appears." This aligns with her professional choices to portray complex women who, even when seemingly victimized or objectified, retain an inner agency and drive, however misguided. Her roles serve as a compelling lens through which to examine how individuals navigate control, submission, and power within their personal relationships. Whether it's Cassie's desperate search for belonging that leads her to psychological submission, or Olivia's calculated manipulation to assert intellectual dominance, Sweeney brings a depth and authenticity that makes these character studies incredibly impactful. Her ability to switch "in and out" of these "vicious" characters on set demonstrates a profound understanding of their psychological underpinnings, allowing her to convey the raw emotional truth of their experiences.

The increasing presence of power dynamics and BDSM themes in popular culture, from Rihanna's "S&M" to various films and TV shows, highlights a growing openness to discussing these aspects of human sexuality and interaction. Academic discourse on BDSM emphasizes the critical role of "consent and safety within the community," distinguishing it clearly from abuse. While Sweeney's characters do not engage in consensual BDSM as a stated practice, their journeys provide a dramatic exploration of the psychological elements that underpin such dynamics: the desire for control, the allure of surrender, the boundaries of manipulation, and the consequences of unhealthy power imbalances. This distinction is vital for a comprehensive understanding. In a consensual BDSM dynamic, participants actively negotiate boundaries, desires, and the specific roles of dominant and submissive for mutual pleasure and exploration. In contrast, the power dynamics seen in characters like Cassie and Olivia are often non-consensual (in the sense that the other party is not willingly agreeing to be manipulated or controlled for a mutual, explicit purpose) and are frequently destructive, serving as narrative devices to explore trauma, insecurity, and social commentary. Cassie's "victimization by her own sexuality" and her tendency to "confuse infatuation with love" are clear signs of unhealthy dynamics, not consensual exploration. Olivia's behavior, rooted in a need to control and protect her privileged position, is fundamentally exploitative. However, by skillfully portraying characters who navigate these intense interpersonal power struggles, Sweeney helps to demystify some of the core psychological elements that are also present in consensual BDSM. The fascination with the interplay of power, vulnerability, and control is universal, and her performances provide a window into these often-hidden facets of human nature. They prompt viewers to consider questions of agency, autonomy, and the complex motivations behind seeking or exerting control over others. The conversation around BDSM in media also touches upon stigmatization. "Perceptions and misconceptions of various subcultures can lead to isolation, fear and mistrust towards society and its support systems." By portraying characters who, even in fictional, non-BDSM contexts, experience elements of dominance and submission, Sweeney's work contributes to a broader cultural literacy around these concepts, inviting empathy and understanding for the underlying psychological drives, even when the fictional outcomes are problematic. Her roles, therefore, contribute to a larger narrative about women navigating power structures and challenging expectations, often reflecting feminist themes and empowerment through their choices and experiences.

As Sydney Sweeney continues her career, her trajectory suggests a continued interest in roles that challenge and explore difficult themes. Her recent and upcoming projects, such as her role as a former world champion boxer Christy Martin in an untitled sports biopic, further demonstrate her determination to "break free from the typecasting cycle" and take on diverse roles that require significant physical and emotional transformation. This commitment to variety indicates that she will likely continue to delve into characters who test boundaries and explore the multifaceted aspects of human experience, including those related to power, control, and resilience. Her ability to generate strong reactions, whether positive or negative, speaks to the impact of her performances. Audiences "hate the character [Olivia] who shows little self-awareness and uses her privilege," but "praised Sweeney's performance." This distinction between character and actor is crucial and underscores Sweeney's talent in making even unlikable characters compelling. The raw, often uncomfortable nature of her portrayals contributes to important conversations about mental health, body image, and navigating complex relationships in a rapidly changing world. In conclusion, while Sydney Sweeney's roles do not explicitly depict BDSM, they masterfully navigate the underlying psychological and emotional territories that inform such practices: the dynamics of power, control, submission, and dominance. Through characters like Cassie Howard and Olivia Mossbacher, Sweeney offers profound insights into the human condition, showcasing how individuals seek, exert, or surrender control in their interpersonal relationships. Her powerful and nuanced performances invite audiences to look beyond surface-level narratives and delve into the intricate dance of human desire, vulnerability, and the eternal quest for agency. Her work contributes significantly to the evolving landscape of media, pushing boundaries and sparking important discussions about the complexities of modern relationships and the enduring allure of power dynamics.