Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” is a darkly comic erotic thriller that delves into the conflicting demands of achieving one-day shipping and a satisfying orgasm in the Amazon era. Nicole Kidman stars as Romy Mathis, the CEO of Tensile, a robotics company known for its innovative automotive warehouses. In the opening scenes, we see a maze of conveyor belts and bots in action, symbolizing the relentless efficiency of Romy’s world.
Romy appears to be in control, but beneath her robotic exterior lies a woman craving something more. She is portrayed as a workaholic, constantly glued to her phone and maintaining a polished corporate image. Despite her seemingly perfect life with her husband, played by Antonio Banderas, and two daughters, Romy’s facade begins to crack as she is drawn into a sensual and daring affair with Samuel, a young intern at Tensile.
As the relationship between Romy and Samuel unfolds, the film explores themes of power dynamics and female desire. Kidman expertly conveys Romy’s complex emotions as she navigates the thrill of the forbidden romance. Harris Dickinson shines as Samuel, bringing a raw intensity to his character and igniting palpable chemistry with Kidman.
“Babygirl” offers a modern twist on erotic thrillers of the past, blending campy elements with thought-provoking insights into gender roles and sexual dynamics. While the film occasionally veers into excess, Kidman and Dickinson’s performances anchor the story, keeping viewers captivated until the unpredictable finale.
Overall, “Babygirl” is a compelling exploration of passion, control, and the blurred lines between desire and danger in a high-stakes corporate world.
The real-life inspiration behind “Babygirl” remains undisclosed. However, the film prioritizes acknowledging genuine desires over delving into office politics. Despite the playful dynamics at play, there is a sincere tenderness evident in the interactions between the characters. Samuel characterizes their relationship as akin to “two children playing,” adding a layer of innocence to their connection.
As a narrative exploring themes of control and desire, “Babygirl” intriguingly unfolds within the confines of A24’s New York headquarters. This choice of setting, whether deliberate or coincidental, adds an extra dimension to the film’s exploration of power dynamics.
While the initial theme of our society’s increasing reliance on automation provides a thought-provoking backdrop, “Babygirl” does not fully delve into this concept. The film meanders at times, leaving certain threads unresolved amidst distractions, akin to saucers of milk luring a cat.
“Babygirl,” distributed by A24 and bearing an R rating for its depiction of strong sexual content, nudity, and language, runs for a duration of 114 minutes. It garners a rating of three stars out of four.
