Babygirl

 

Babygirl is an erotic thriller that delves into the intricate interplay of power, desire, and vulnerability within the high-stakes world of corporate America. Directed by Halina Reijn, the film stars Nicole Kidman as Romy Mathis, a formidable CEO of a Manhattan robotics company, and Harris Dickinson as Samuel, her ambitious young intern. Their affair challenges societal norms and personal boundaries, offering a provocative exploration of control and submission.

Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Romy was both fearless and multifaceted, revealing the complexities of a woman torn between her authoritative public persona and her concealed desires. Her performance was one of her most daring with her ability to convey a character grappling with deep-seated vulnerabilities. Harris Dickinson complemented Kidman with a magnetic presence, embodying Samuel's blend of youthful audacity and mysterious nature. Antonio Banderas delivered a steady performance as Jacob Mathis, Romy's husband, providing a grounded counterpoint to the film's escalating tensions. However, supporting characters, including Sophie Wilde as Esme Smith, Romy's assistant, received limited development, leaving potential subplots underexplored.

The film ambitiously tackled themes of power dynamics, addiction, and infidelity, set against the backdrop of Romy's traumatic past and her engagement in EMDR therapy. While these therapy sessions were depicted with artistic flair, I initially found them confusing as I was unfamiliar with the technique. Additionally, the film hinted at Romy's cult background but stops short of a thorough examination, missing an opportunity to delve deeper into the psychological forces that shaped her identity.

Despite being marketed as a thriller, Babygirl leaned more towards a psychological drama, with tension simmering beneath the surface rather than manifesting as overt suspense. The narrative focused on the internal conflicts and evolving dynamics between Romy and Samuel, offering a nuanced look at their entangled relationship. While the film did not evoke traditional thrills, its strength lied in its character-driven storytelling and the provocative questions it raised about desire and control.

The film bared a resemblance to Eyes Wide Shut, yet under Reijn's direction, it offered a more authentic experience from the female perspective, feeling less exploitative. Not surprisingly, Reijn has described Babygirl as her answer to Eyes Wide Shut, exploring what might have happened if Kidman's character had acted on her fantasies.

In the end, Babygirl is a bold cinematic endeavor that showcases Nicole Kidman's willingness to embrace complex and risqué roles. The film's exploration of taboo subjects and its subversion of conventional power structures make it a compelling watch, even if it doesn't fit neatly into the thriller genre. However, while thought-provoking and provocative, it may not be a film that invites repeated viewings.