frequently alternates between footage of Cyrus making facial expressions with cartoon-styled eyes and noses layered on her face and Cyrus wearing latex bands commonly associated with sadomasochism (S&M). She is additionally seen suspended mid-air by ribbons in an acrobatic fashion, hanging from a rod with her legs provocatively spread, and suggestively showing her buttocks to the camera. As the clip progresses, Cyrus cries as she spreads black oil across her face, which she later smears across her body in a sexual manner. Critical reception Contemporary critics centered much of their commentary of Miley Cyrus: Tongue Tied around its prominent sadomasochistic elements. Writing for Complex, Leigh Silver described the project as a "bondage-themed joy ride", and felt that its potential shock value was lessened considering Cyrus' previously sexual displays. Leanne Bayley from Glamour described the film as "very Fifty Shades of Grey-esque" and felt that it was an unsurprisingly "pretty controversial" display from Cyrus. Despite commenting that her wardrobe was "quite demure [...] by her standards", Mike Wass from Idolator opined that the sadomasochistic inspiration "[spices] things up"; he elaborated that the video was "stylish and beautifully shot" and restored Cyrus' position as "the queen of shock" from recording artist Rihanna, who had generated media attention for a topless magazine spread in Lui'. While stating that the project was "sexy", Oscar Lopez admitted that its concept was unoriginal considering its similarities to the visuals for "Vogue" and "Like a Prayer" by Madonna. Writing for Look, Robyn Munson described Miley Cyrus: Tongue Tied as "one of her most artistic – and attention-grabbing – to date"; she expressed particular surprise in Cyrus' continued ability to shock her audience despite having frequently painted herself in a sexual light. Emily Hewett from Metro thought that the project "was done in the name of art", whereas Cyrus' earlier endeavors come across as being provocative "in a blatant bid to boost record sales". After classifying the clip as not safe for work, Lauren Valenti from Marie Claire acknowledged it as the "latest viral reminder that Miley's Disney days are far behind her. Ryan Reed from Rolling Stone called the video "jaw-dropping" and felt that it was an extension of the "psychedelic side" that Cyrus had recently displayed through on-stage collaborations with Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips. Amiya Moretta opined that the clip "boldly confronts double standards that exist between socially acceptable expressions of