Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn and produced by A24, is a gripping erotic thriller that delves into the complexities of desire, power, and identity. The story unfolds with the kind of raw, unapologetic energy that has become a signature for A24. Starring Nicole Kidman as the high-powered CEO Romy Mathis, the film explores the dangerous liaison between Romy and her much younger intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson).
Set in the bustling world of New York City’s tech industry, Babygirl opens with a powerful scene that sets the tone for the film. Romy, a successful CEO, is seen engaging in a passionate affair with her husband, Jacob (Antonio Banderas). However, her seemingly perfect life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Samuel, an intern who challenges her both professionally and personally. Kidman’s performance as Romy is both alluring and mesmerizing. She effortlessly portrays the character’s internal conflict, balancing her public persona as a confident leader with her private struggles with desire and vulnerability.
Babygirl isn’t just a film about an affair; it’s a study of power dynamics in both professional and personal realms. The script cleverly explores how authority can be both seductive and corrupting, particularly when mixed with the raw essence of human desire. The narrative questions the societal norms that dictate what is acceptable in love and lust, pushing viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of control and submission.
The film’s soundtrack was a huge highlight for me, with its selection it enhances the film’s atmosphere of forbidden romance and the clash between past and present desires. Songs like INXS’s Never Tear Us Apart are not just background music but are integral to pivotal scenes, amplifying the emotional and physical tension.
Babygirl is a testament to A24’s commitment to producing bold, boundary-pushing content that respects its audience’s intelligence by not spoon-feeding answers or morals. Instead, it invites viewers into a conversation about the complexities of human nature, where every choice has a price.
Babygirl opens at Luna Palace Cinemas and Luna Outdoor from January 30.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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