Babygirl (2024)

Babygirl is a sizzling erotic thriller that pushes boundaries but doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Nicole Kidman stars as Romy, a high-powered CEO who embarks on a steamy affair with Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a young intern at her company. As their relationship intensifies, Romy’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel, threatening her marriage to Jacob (Antonio Banderas) and her professional standing.

Director Halina Reijn crafts a visually striking film that explores themes of power, desire, self-discovery, and vulnerability. The cinematography by Jasper Wolf is lush and sensual, perfectly capturing the charged atmosphere between Romy and Samuel. Reijn’s decision to shoot in the actual A24 studio’s headquarters adds an intriguing meta layer to the production design.

Kidman delivers a tour de force performance, expertly portraying Romy’s internal struggle between her public persona and private desires. Her nuanced portrayal brings depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Dickinson holds his own opposite Kidman, infusing Samuel with a mix of youthful cockiness and vulnerability.

The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build slowly. However, you might find the narrative a bit meandering at times, especially in the middle. The screenplay, while tackling complex themes, occasionally relies on erotic thriller tropes that feel a tad clichéd.

Symbolism plays a significant role in Babygirl, with recurring motifs of dogs and milk adding layers of meaning to the story. These elements, while intriguing, sometimes feel heavy-handed in their execution.

The soundtrack complements the film’s mood, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes without overpowering them. Editing techniques, particularly during the intimate encounters, create a palpable sense of urgency and desire.

While Babygirl aims to be a fresh take on the erotic thriller genre, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of classics like Fatal Attraction or more recent entries like Unfaithful. The film’s exploration of power dynamics in the #MeToo era feels timely, but it doesn’t fully capitalise on this potential.

Babygirl is a stylish and provocative film that will spark conversations. It’s worth watching for Kidman’s fearless performance and Reijn’s bold direction. However, don’t anticipate a groundbreaking experience.

If you’re after a steamy, thought-provoking night at the cinema and don’t mind a bit of predictability, Babygirl might just hit the spot. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid entry in the erotic thriller genre that’ll leave you hot under the collar.