From one sexy thriller set during the holidays to another, Nicole Kidman once again demonstrates her knack for selecting projects that ignite discussion, center on erotic themes, and feature complex, audacious characters. Halina Reijn’s Babygirl—finally making its UK debut this week—delivers a gripping exploration of power, desire, and the chaos that can ensue when these forces collide.
If you enjoy audacious storytelling steeped in sexual intrigue, Babygirl promises to captivate. With its fearless narrative, raw performances, and an unflinching focus on taboo dynamics, the film pushes boundaries while inviting reflection on themes often left unexplored.
All photos courtesy of A24.
Power and Submission
Babygirl follows Romy (Nicole Kidman), a successful mother, wife, and CEO who seems to have it all—a home, a loving husband (Antonio Banderas), and children. Yet, beneath her polished exterior, Romy craves something more. Her hunger for excitement and dominance finds its outlet when Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a young, confident intern, enters her life.
Their initial encounter—a moment where Samuel deftly tames an aggressive dog in her presence—sets the tone for their relationship perfectly. Samuel embodies control and assertiveness, qualities Romy both admires and yearns to surrender to. Their dynamic unfolds as a dangerous game of power and submission, with Samuel intuitively exploiting Romy’s longing for thrill and danger. He quickly learns that she gets off on the thrill, danger and turmoil that their affair could bring and the two become intoxicated with one another and their secret with their language being sex.
Bold Performances
Nicole Kidman shines in yet another raw role, delivering a nuanced portrayal of Romy’s inner turmoil. Her performance captures the character’s conflicting emotions: the yearning for freedom, the guilt of betrayal, and the intoxicating thrill of forbidden desires. This is probably the most interesting, difficult and complex role of her career.
Harris Dickinson’s portrayal of Samuel is equally compelling. His quiet dominance and commanding presence elevate the character, as his intense gaze and subtle gestures often speak louder than words. Dickinson’s ability to project power without overt aggression solidifies his role as a manipulative yet magnetic force in the film.
Antonio Banderas also deserves to be praised for his strong supporting performance as Romy’s dedicated and devoted husband. His performance, understated yet heartfelt, contrasts the turmoil of Romy and Samuel’s relationship, reminding audiences of the stability and love she risks destroying.
Climax or Anti-Climatic?
Reijn’s directorial decisions amplify the tension and eroticism of the movie. The film’s opening scene is both provocative and symbolic, depicting Romy faking an orgasm with her husband. Contrast this to a moment later on in the film when she finally does experience a true climax with a more animalistic and intense moan caused by Samuel. This is one of my favourite choices by Reijn and is a purposeful decision that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The soundtrack complements the film’s themes, amplifying the tension between Romy’s desires, power imbalance and sense of duty that defines her struggle. It elevated the sex scenes and helped define those climatic moments.
However, while the film ends on a literal climax, its conclusion feels slightly rushed. Clocking in at just under two hours, Babygirl might not need additional runtime, but its ending could have benefitted from a more measured resolution.
A Return of Erotic Thrillers?
Reijn’s Babygirl also rekindles the art of the erotic thriller, a genre that has faded from mainstream cinema. Reijn used Babygirl to remind audiences who have been increasingly complaining about sex in film, that it can be a very important part of all relationships, not just romantic ones. The taboo communication surrounding sex can also lead to lies; it should be honest or there are consequences as Romy and Samuel prove. Also, let’s not beat around the bush: it can be hot a steamy and there is nothing wrong with enjoying that!
Unfortunately, my own cinema experience with Babygirl told me that you have to watch this in a theatre full of people who understand what this film is... If you plan to watch Babygirl, do so in a cinema with an audience prepared to embrace its audacity. It’s a film that demands attention, sparking conversation about the interplay of power, lust, and consequence—and it deserves nothing less.
Babygirl is a daring, visually striking film with powerhouse performances from its leads. Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, and Antonio Banderas deliver layered portrayals that elevate the story’s themes of power, control, and forbidden passion. While the ending falters slightly, the journey there is a bold, thrilling ride that challenges conventions and reignites a genre long overdue for a comeback. Babygirl is now in UK Cinemas!