BABYGIRL - MOVIE REVIEW / NICOLE KIDMAN MOVIE / A Tale of Power, Desire, and Redemption.

 

*Babygirl*, the 2024 American erotic thriller directed by Halina Reijn, is a provocative exploration of power dynamics, sexual desire, and the fragility of relationships. Starring Nicole Kidman as Romy Mathis, a high-powered CEO, the film delves into the complexities of a forbidden affair and its repercussions on her career, family, and sense of self. With a stellar supporting cast including Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas, *Babygirl* is a gripping narrative that balances sensuality with emotional depth.

 

Romy Mathis is the CEO of a cutting-edge robotic process automation company in New York City. Despite her professional success, her personal life is fraught with dissatisfaction, particularly in her marriage to Jacob, (Antonio Banderas), a theater director. Their relationship lacks passion, and Romy feels emotionally and sexually unfulfilled. This void becomes the catalyst for her descent into a dangerous affair.

 

The story takes a dramatic turn when Romy encounters Samuel, (Harris Dickinson), a young and charismatic intern at her company. Their first meeting is serendipitous: Samuel saves Romy from a potentially violent encounter with a dog. This act of bravery sparks an immediate connection, and Samuel later selects Romy as his mentor through the company’s mentorship program. What begins as a professional relationship quickly escalates into something far more intimate.

 

Samuel boldly propositions Romy during a private meeting. Initially hesitant, Romy eventually succumbs to her desires, and the two share a passionate kiss. This moment marks the beginning of a tumultuous affair, characterized by a complex power dynamic. Romy, despite her authority and status, finds herself drawn to Samuel’s dominance. Their encounters are intense and charged with a mix of pleasure and guilt. Romy experiences a profound sexual awakening but is simultaneously tormented by the moral implications of her actions.

 

As the affair deepens, Samuel becomes increasingly bold, pushing boundaries and testing Romy’s limits. In one particularly unsettling scene, he shows up uninvited at Romy and Jacob’s country home, ingratiating himself with the family under the guise of returning Romy’s laptop. This intrusion forces Romy to confront the reality of her actions and the potential consequences for her family. She lashes out at Samuel, asserting that her family is her priority and demanding that he never cross that line again. However, their connection proves difficult to sever.

 

The tension reaches a boiling point when Romy confesses to Jacob that she has never experienced an orgasm with him, a revelation that devastates him. Desperate to reclaim control, Romy seeks out Samuel, reaffirming her submission to him. But the affair takes a darker turn when Samuel attends her daughter’s birthday party with Esme, (Sophie Wilde), Romy’s secretary and his new girlfriend. Esme confronts Romy, revealing that she knows about the affair and blackmails her into making structural changes at the company and promoting her to a higher position.

 

Romy’s world begins to unravel as she struggles to maintain her facade. She confesses the affair to Jacob, albeit downplaying its significance, describing it as a one-night stand with a stranger. Jacob, however, is deeply hurt and struggles to reconcile the betrayal. The couple’s fragile relationship is further tested when Jacob discovers Romy and Samuel together at their country home. A physical altercation ensues, but Samuel surprisingly comes to Jacob’s aid when he suffers a panic attack, highlighting the complexity of his character.

 

In the aftermath, Romy and Jacob, encouraged by their teenage daughter Isabel, attempt to rebuild their marriage. They confront their issues head-on, rekindling their emotional and physical connection. In a poignant scene, Romy finally experiences an orgasm with Jacob, symbolizing their renewed intimacy and commitment to each other.

 

The film concludes on an ambiguous note. Samuel, now working in Japan, is seen in a hotel room feeding the same dog he had calmed earlier in the film. It is unclear whether this scene is real or a figment of Romy’s imagination, leaving viewers to ponder the lasting impact of the affair on her psyche.

 

*Babygirl* is a masterful blend of eroticism and psychological drama, anchored by Nicole Kidman’s powerful performance. The film’s exploration of power, desire, and redemption resonates deeply, offering a nuanced portrayal of human vulnerability and resilience. With its compelling narrative and standout performances, *Babygirl* cements its place as one of the most thought-provoking films of 2024.