Babygirl: Review
Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, drops us into a steamy and complicated world where power, desire, and control collide. Nicole Kidman takes the lead as Romy Mathis, a powerhouse CEO whose carefully structured life starts to unravel when she dives into a risky affair with her young intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson). Think forbidden romance meets corporate chaos—but with an edgy twist.
Kidman owns this role, showing Romy as both boss-level confident and surprisingly vulnerable. One minute she’s the ultimate CEO calling the shots; the next, she’s grappling with personal desires she can’t control. Dickinson plays Samuel with just the right mix of charm and quiet dominance, flipping the usual age-gap romance narrative on its head.
This isn’t just a love story—it’s about the messy intersection of sex, ambition, and identity. Romy, who’s used to being in control at work, finds herself in unfamiliar territory as Samuel gains the upper hand. The film dives into these shifting dynamics, showing that power isn’t always predictable or static.
What makes Babygirl stand out is how it toys with classic erotic thriller vibes—think lingering looks, secret meetings, and electric tension—but never gives you the easy answers. The whole thing feels ambiguous and suspenseful, keeping you guessing about where the line is between consensual exploration and manipulation.
Reijn’s direction pushes boundaries, challenging outdated stereotypes about women in film. Kidman’s Romy reflects the growing and welcome trend of casting older actresses in roles that explore sexuality and agency in a raw, honest way. Sure, some might say the character doesn’t go deep enough, calling her more of a symbol than a fully fleshed-out person. One could also argue Romy’s inner conflict mirrors the tension between societal expectations and personal freedom.
One of Babygirl’s strongest points is how it tackles adult female sexuality without turning it into a spectacle. It forces you to sit with the discomfort, question assumptions, and think about what autonomy really looks like.
Whether you see it as a bold erotic thriller or a deeper dive into the complexities of power and vulnerability, Babygirl leaves a mark. Kidman’s fearless performance and Reijn’s gutsy storytelling create a film that refuses to play it safe. If you’re ready for a movie that explores modern desire in all its contradictions, this one’s worth the watch.