Going from directing a whodunnit millennial comedy in Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) to creating a power dynamic that blends Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999) (maybe that’s just because of the lead actress, but there are some similarities in my eyes) is a tonal change no one saw coming, and, with it, Halina Reijn creates a sexy tense thriller with a fantastic up-and-comer, Harris Dickenson (The Iron Claw), and the always brilliant Nicole Kidman (Eyes Wide Shut), giving the world Babygirl. It can be viewed as something surface level as it is just a passionate power dynamic that reverses the roles, but there is something more powerful here that requires further investigation and attention, making Babygirl more than just a sexy movie with two attractive leads. It shows that even with everything, sometimes life just lacks that extra something, and it’s refreshing to see the roles be reversed and not have the man in power of every dynamic — even if the cards lay in his hands.
L-R: Antonio Banderas as Jacob and Nicole Kidman as Romy in BABYGIRL. Photo courtesy of A24.
The movie focuses on Romy (Nicole Kidman) who’s a powerful CEO of her own company and is driven by her work, but there is something clearly missing in her homelife. She has a husband, Jacob (Antonio Banderas), and children who he’s left to watch and ensure they stay on track as she is buried in her work. On the other hand, Jacob, is trying to get his off Broadway show off the ground and is continuously met with roadblocks and obstacles, one after another. Their sex life, while consistent and passionate, just isn’t doing it for Romy anymore. She wants something more, something more risqué, something less tame, and this isn’t something Jacob is entirely comfortable with and it leaves Romy feeling unsatisfied and frustrated.
Nicole Kidman as Romy in BABYGIRL. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise. Photo courtesy of A24.
Things take a change when Samuel (Harris Dickinson) shows up on the scene as part of the shadowing/mentoring program that Romy’s company is hosting and asks if Romy herself is available to be a mentor. At first, she is incredibly reluctant and against the idea, but Esme (Sophie Wilde) explains to her that *technically* she is eligible for the program as it is company-wide, so Romy begrudgingly agrees to mentor Samuel. Things start off as expected, with her complete reluctance and refusal to want to be trapped in this environment, but, slowly, something seems to connect and the two hit it off, diving head-first into a dangerous relationship that seems to satisfy what Romy was missing while Samuel is just along for the ride while simultaneously refusing to give up the power and leverage he now has. The result is a steamy, compelling, and engaging power dynamic battle excelled by terrific performances from both leads and co-leads.
There is no question that Halina Reijn knows how to direct a movie. Her previous effort of Bodies Bodies Bodies is an underappreciated gem that gave her the gravitas to land such a powerhouse of a third feature. The only downfall is in the screenplay as it is a little rigid in some aspects and could use some tightening up in others, especially between Samuel and Romy, and a further exploration of where Romy and Jacob fell apart, but what is penned and the performances which back it pack enough emotion and impact to carry it to a very satisfying execution, just brushing greatness but never truly crossing into that territory.
L-R: Nicole Kidman as Romy and Harris Dickinson as Samuel in BABYGIRL. Photo courtesy of A24.
However, the brilliance of Kidman and Dickinson makes Babygirl as incredible as it is. Their chemistry and performances on their own are nothing shy of excellence as the characters are teetering the lines, knowing that they should not cross but do anyways, realizing the consequences of their actions, and the situation they put themselves in. All of it is brilliantly portrayed by them whether it is said or conveyed through physicality, placing the audience as a true fly on the wall watching all of this unfold and explode. Banderas (Four Rooms) and Wilde (Talk to Me) being in the supporting roles and capturing the chaos and being in the windfall of everything that’s happening around their characters also shine brilliantly, making this ensemble perfectly round out the fantastic direction and near-great screenplay by Raijn, creating one of the best erotic thrillers in a long time.
Screened during Toronto International Film Festival 2024.
In theaters December 25th, 2024.
For more information, head either to the official Toronto International Film Festival 2024 Babygirl webpage or A24 Babygirl website.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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