Babygirl review: Kidman and Dickinson mesmerize in A24's latest thriller
By Emma Vine
A24's Babygirl tells the story of Romy (Nicole Kidman), the CEO of a successful company. To the outside world, she has everything one could ever dream of. This includes a supportive husband, two healthy kids, a couple of beautiful homes, and more money than she knows what to do with. Yet, beneath the surface, Romy feels dissatisfied in the bedroom, while her husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas) remains oblivious to her sexual desires. After all, she has always kept them to herself for fear of being judged.
When a new intern named Samuel (Harris Dickinson), much younger than Romy, is hired at her company, she's instantly drawn to him. The two met previously on the streets of New York after Samuel calmed down a loose, unruly dog on the sidewalk. This impressed Romy and certainly got her attention. After the pair start working together, they are undeniably attracted to one another. At first, Romy resists temptation, but when Samuel continues to pursue her, it isn't long before she surrenders to her impulses.
Babygirl is a thought-provoking film with a strong message
Though on the surface, Babygirl appears to explore themes of sexual gratification and desire, it delves much deeper than that. At the core of director Halina Reijn's screenplay is a profoundly impactful story that demonstrates the intricate emotions of humans, how trauma can shift our worldview and self-perception, the importance of confronting feelings of shame, and the value of embracing our true selves.
As a CEO, Romy is used to being in complete control in the workplace. She makes the decisions and is the face of the company. Our protagonist is also a force to be reckoned with when in front of the camera filming the latest company promo. However, much of it is a façade and vastly different from the feelings she experiences internally. When intern Samuel, a handsome, charismatic, assertive, dominant gentleman, comes along and instantly gets a read on Romy, sensing that she likes being told what to do, this realization shakes up her world and sparks her curiosity. Unlike her husband, this stranger seems to understand people, but most importantly, her.
Kidman is sensational as Romy, demonstrating one of her career's most unfiltered and intimate performances. She effortlessly depicts a dominant woman in leadership while showcasing Romy's more timid and sensitive side. Even if the audience cannot relate to the love affair between our leads, the raw emotions displayed in the narrative can resonate with viewers. Romy and Samuel are characters we want to learn more about as the film invites us into their world of intimacy.
Dickinson excels as Samuel, an assured and commanding presence, though occasionally, glimpses of fragileness shine through. The intern remains a bit of a mystery, which some may criticize. However, in Babygirl, it works well. This approach keeps the audience on their toes and enhances the story's allure. Additionally, it allows for a deeper exploration of Romy's emotional and sexual journey, enabling her to embrace her true desires and express them openly.
One cannot write a Babygirl review without acknowledging and admiring Kidman and Dickinson's electrifying chemistry. During their intimate scenes, the pair demonstrate fearlessness, fully immersing themselves in their characters' lives in a raw, transcendent, visionary way. Their performances are truly memorable as Romy and Samuel lose themselves in a fantasy world full of desire, mutual trust, and shifting power dynamics.
For all its intensity and sexiness, Babygirl is a thought-provoking film with a strong message. It teaches us to overcome shame, discover and love our authentic selves, and stay grounded in our true identity. Reijn's third feature is filmmaking at its best and is a revelatory way to end 2024.