Review Babygirl: Nicole Kidman takes on one of her boldest roles yet in the provocative drama Babygirl (Review Babygirl), directed by Halina Reijn. Co-starring Harris Dickinson and Antonio Banderas, the film delves into the tangled web of a high-stakes office affair, exploring its messy, darkly humorous, and unexpectedly moving layers. Reijn, known for her work on Bodies Bodies Bodies, directs with an unflinching gaze that strips away the glamour typically associated with erotic thrillers, presenting a raw and authentic narrative that keeps the audience on edge.
Imagine Kidman as Romy, a poised and impeccably dressed CEO of a New York robotics firm. Her husband, Jacob, played by Antonio Banderas, is a charismatic theater director. Despite a seemingly passionate and intense relationship, Romy finds herself yearning for something that defies the boundaries of her current life. Enter Samuel, a brash young intern portrayed by Harris Dickinson, who quickly picks up on Romy’s unspoken desires. What unfolds is a tumultuous affair that threatens Romy’s career and her marriage, all played out within the soundproof walls of the company’s office.
A Fresh Take on Erotic Thrillers: Review Babygirl
Review Babygirl: Babygirl isn’t your typical sultry office drama. While its premise might bring to mind the glossy erotic thrillers of the 1980s, Reijn cleverly deconstructs these tropes, revealing the messy, contradictory realities of human desire and ambition. The film, which made its debut at the Venice Film Festival, can be seen as a nod to the sleek, high-stakes thrillers popularized by directors like Adrian Lyne. Yet, Reijn scrapes away the surface polish to expose the flawed and conflicted characters beneath.
At the heart of the film is Romy, portrayed by Kidman in one of her most daring performances. Romy is a woman who seems to have it all: she’s admired at work for her composure and drive, and she maintains an image of a devoted wife and mother at home. However, it quickly becomes evident that her life is far from perfect. Behind closed doors, Romy indulges in domination-based pornography, hinting at her complex relationship with intimacy and control—a theme that might trace back to her unconventional upbringing in various cults and communes. This background has seemingly distorted her perception of what a healthy relationship entails, adding layers to her character that Kidman navigates with both vulnerability and grit.
The Complexity of Samuel and Romy’s Relationship: A Fresh Take on Erotic Thrillers – Review Babygirl
Dickinson’s Samuel is equally complex. He isn’t merely the archetypal seducer or a naive intern; he’s a perplexing blend of self-assurance and insecurity. At times, Samuel displays a nearly psychotic level of confidence, while in other moments, he’s awkward and unsure of himself, creating a dynamic that’s as unpredictable as it is compelling. Their relationship is anything but smooth; it’s a collision of needs, flaws, and unspoken traumas. The lack of any stylized sensuality—no smooth jazz or moody lighting—underscores the rawness of their connection.
Reijn’s direction is deliberately unvarnished, capturing the unglamorous side of their affair. Typical thriller elements—like the intern showing up unannounced at a family retreat or a colleague discovering the affair—are all present, but they are treated with a dose of realism. Romy’s attempts to maintain her composure are juxtaposed with her frantic personal struggles: from painful Botox sessions to awkward moments in tight dresses, and even an incident where she halts an intimate encounter due to a sudden fear of ruining the carpet. It’s in these unguarded moments that Kidman truly shines, delivering what many are calling her most fearless performance in years.
Navigating Modern Dynamics and Consent: A Fresh Take on Erotic Thrillers – Review Babygirl
What makes Babygirl (Review Babygirl) particularly resonant is how it addresses the evolving dynamics of workplace relationships in a post-#MeToo era. Unlike the morally ambiguous office romances of the 80s and 90s, where power imbalances were often ignored or glamorized, Reijn’s screenplay doesn’t shy away from the complexities of consent and modern corporate policies. Samuel, for instance, insists on discussing the company’s HR guidelines and the concept of consent before their affair crosses a line. It’s a subtle but significant shift that underscores the film’s contemporary relevance, reflecting the awkward reality of navigating desire within the constraints of today’s societal expectations.
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The rhythm of Romy and Samuel’s relationship is deliberately erratic, keeping viewers on edge as they oscillate between moments of connection and disconnection. There are instances where Romy’s vulnerability is palpable, her tears and confusion starkly contrasting the confident facade she projects at work. The film’s dark humor shines through in scenes where Romy awkwardly bluffs her way through her double life, highlighting the often absurd lengths to which people go to hide their true selves.
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Ultimately, Babygirl is more than just an erotic drama; it’s a poignant exploration of two people fumbling towards understanding and perhaps even redemption. Despite the discomfort and messiness of their affair, there is a sense of genuine connection that develops between Romy and Samuel. They are both damaged in their own ways, and the film doesn’t shy away from this. Instead, Reijn embraces their flaws, depicting them with empathy and without judgment. It’s clear that, despite their transgressions, there’s a deep-seated need for connection and acceptance driving both characters.
Kidman’s performance is nothing short of transformative. She brings a raw vulnerability to Romy, capturing the contradictions of a woman torn between her public persona and her private desires. Dickinson, too, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a character who could easily have been reduced to a one-dimensional trope. Instead, Samuel’s complexity adds a crucial layer to the narrative, making their interactions feel authentic and richly textured.
Review Babygirl: A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Desire and Identity
Babygirl stands out not just for its bold subject matter but for its willingness to probe the messy, often uncomfortable realities of desire, power, and identity. Halina Reijn’s direction is unflinching, capturing the intricacies of her characters’ lives without resorting to cliché or sensationalism. It’s a film that challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper motivations and vulnerabilities that drive its characters.
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In the end, Babygirl (Review Babygirl) isn’t just about an affair; it’s about the human need for connection, the ways we cope with our own contradictions, and the lengths we go to reconcile our public and private selves. It’s a daring, provocative film that showcases Nicole Kidman at her best, offering a nuanced, layered performance that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of her bravest.
Director: Halina Reijn
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, Harris Dickinson
Run time: 1hr 54m
With its blend of dark humor, emotional depth, and unflinching honesty, Babygirl (Review Babygirl) is a must-watch for those looking for a film that challenges the conventions of the erotic thriller and offers a fresh, thought-provoking take on the complexities of modern relationships.