The Wasteland Reviewer

Babygirl (2024) Written Review

How far will someone go to explore the desires that we have boiling underneath the surface? There are many people who have desires that they want to explore but are ashamed to open to their significant others and those they are vulnerable and intimate with. We mask and we hide those desires underneath. There are other desires that people hide as well. Many women of authority and power must always stay in control because they cannot afford to show any type of weakness in the face of men searching to undercut them. But sometimes those same women long to explore differing dynamics where someone else can take charge instead. Bodies Bodies Bodies filmmaker Halina Reijn tackles these complex and compelling ideas through her erotic thriller, Babygirl. 

What are the narrative mechanisms in which Reijn explores these rich and complex themes? Nicole Kidman’s Romy is a powerful woman who runs a large supply chain corporation where she is a role model for all the women in her organization. She has a passionate and loving husband (Antonio Banderas) and her two daughters. But her life veers in a new direction when a new intern (Harris Dickinson) begins to awaken something inside of her. There are two elements to Romy’s life that are explored in Babygirl that are the foundation of the narrative. She is a woman who is always in control and this young man asserts himself to her which is something new…exciting…and thrilling. The way the film explores control is fascinating as it unabashedly shows the sexual explorations. There is another thread of repression for Romy who felt too much shame to explore these sexual urges (that tortured her for years) with her own husband. This young man is a force that has shaken up Romy’s existence as she must confront her actions, betrayal, and find a new balance of her needs and desires. Reijn can explore this journey in a compelling way. 

What works from the technical aspect that brings this erotic thriller to life? There is a texture and richness to the visuals of the film. This is not a flat digital feel but a warm and intense atmosphere and aura that cinematographer Jasper Wolf helps create. The camera work is precise and inspired. There is an intimacy to the way the camera engages with the characters (which is essential for such a film as this). This is a fiery and lustful film that does not shy away from showing our characters erotic moments and lustful actions (to be frank, this film is never shy at all). There is tension throughout the film both in a thrilling way as well as a level of eroticism that penetrates so many scenes throughout. The score for this film is fascinating as well. The instrumental choices and use of heavy rhythmic breathing is pulsation and drives forward the film in a ferocious and compelling way.

Do the performers deliver performances that feel authentic with such a challenging and passionate story and atmosphere? Kidman delivers in so many ways. We see her in charge and forceful (especially as her arc comes to completion). There is an alluring nature to this confidence, but Kidman can swing the other way as well. There are moments of vulnerability, desperation, and longing that feel so real and compelling. Her physicality is authentic as she sells the lustful acts performed by her character and she sells the sexual expression with great authenticity. This film would not work if these sex scenes did not feel real and authentic. Luckily, Kidman sells it. Banderas and Dickinson sell those moments as well. Banderas sells the moments of betrayal and love equally well. Dickinson is such a strange presence, and he delivers layered performance that balances swings of emotion and a charged authority in Romy’s presence. There are a few other supporting turns that add some memorable moments like Sophie Wilde and Esther McGregor. 

Is Babygirl the must-see erotic thriller that the trailers promised? There are some elements that hold this back from being truly great. When you take a step back, there really is only one character in the film that feels fleshed out and layered. Romy. Kidman brings so much to an already complex and layered character. Every other character feels more like a mechanism for the plot. Most importantly, Dickinson’s Samuel feels like a big, missed opportunity from a character standpoint. In the end though, this is a story about a woman exploring her needs, desires, and fears and Reijn crafts quite the compelling erotic thriller.