Babygirl Review: Nicole Kidman’s Explosive Erotic Thriller Looks At Sexual Dominance With A Female Gaze

Babygirl

“I think you like being told what to do”, says an intern to the mega-successful CEO of a multi-million dollar e-commerce company. This sentence reverses the power dynamic between Romy Mathis (played by the ravishing Nicole Kidman) and Samuel (Harris Dickinson). The two begin a romance that could potentially wreak havoc on their lives. As this forbidden romance plays out in luxurious suites, Samuel’s house and boardroom meetings, it becomes clear that Romy craves sexual dominance.

Babygirl Movie: Plot

Romy knows well that Samuel’s visit to HR and a sexual harassment complaint could bring down the house of cards. The risk of losing it all makes this scandalous affair even more exciting for Romy. Meanwhile, Samuel is the typical anti-capitalist. anti-CEO kid on the block. In a telling moment, Samuel’s politics becomes crystal clear when he subliminally disses Romy by calling her a ‘power hungry' personality. Samuel’s ‘eat-the-rich’ stance is obvious but even in this illicit relationship, he establishes rules both must adhere to.

Babygirl Movie: Performances

A safe word (typical in BDSM relationships) is established. Ironically, Romy chooses Jacob as the safe word. Jacob (played by a convincing Antonio Banderas) is her theater-loving husband who cannot satisfy her sexually (and is heartbroken when he finds out that his wife found love outside wedlock). Romy consents to a masochist relationship but is devastated to find out that Samuel is dating her office secretary Esme (Sophie Wilde). Isn’t Samuel doing exactly what Romy is doing — dating two different people to satisfy his sexual and emotional needs?

Babygirl Movie: Writing And Direction

Samuel and Romy dance their hearts out at a rave party. In a moment of honesty, Samuel admits that while he loves Esme, he doesn’t quite feel that his sexual needs are taken care of. Directed by Halina Reijn, Babygirl portrays just how sexually liberating it can be to fully own one’s carnal desires, even if they are deemed too ‘kinky’ or unacceptable to the world-at-large.

In a highlight from this 115-minute long erotic thriller, a male employee approaches Romy in the cabin of her office, trying to emulate the dynamic she shared with Samuel. “If I want to be humiliated, I will pay someone to do it”, Romy says. Sexual humiliation can be consensual, safe and respectful to both parties involved. In many ways, Jacob represents the sexually liberated GenZ kids who have a more progressive view of sexuality and consent in general.

Babygirl Movie: What Works, What Doesn’t

Romy’s bond with Isabel Mathis (Esther McGregor), her queer daughter who is coming to terms with her sexuality, gives just the right amount of warmth to an otherwise thrilling film. The film ends with Samuel leaving for Japan as Romy and Jacob engage in a sexual act that helps Romy orgasm. Reijn’s Babygirl might just be a film that is way ahead of its time. Provocative, brutally honest and progressive, it makes a strong case for sexual liberation and will likely be remembered for years for its phenomenal portrayal of BDSM relationships.

It would be unfair to not appreciate the hauntingly gorgeous background score by Christobal Tapia De Veer, particularly ‘Wolves’. The creepy tune with heavy drums plays when Romy and Samuel live their sexual fantasies. Full marks to both Kidman and Dickinson for making this on-screen pair believable.

Star rating: 4 / 5 stars