Halina Reijn’s latest film, Babygirl, combines dark comedy with erotic tension in a modern-day thriller that explores power dynamics, control, and raw human desire against the backdrop of corporate life in the Amazon era. Starring Nicole Kidman as Romy Mathis, the chief executive of Tensile, a robotics company specializing in automated warehouses, the film is a tantalizing and sometimes absurd update to the erotic dramas of the 1990s, like Basic Instinct and 9 ½ Weeks.
The opening credits immerse viewers in a high-tech world, showcasing a maze of conveyor belts and robots, symbolizing the dehumanized efficiency of Tensile. Romy, much like her company, appears robotic in her pursuit of perfection—juggling corporate power, Botox injections, and her dual life between a chic New York apartment and a suburban mansion. Yet, beneath this controlled exterior lies a woman grappling with her suppressed desires, a theme that Babygirl delves into unapologetically.
The film begins with a striking scene: Kidman in close-up, seemingly at the peak of intimacy with her husband (Antonio Banderas). However, moments later, she retreats to watch transgressive internet pornography in solitude, setting the tone for a story that oscillates between control and submission.
The narrative takes a turn when Romy encounters Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a young intern at Tensile, whose calm demeanor and disarming candor intrigue her. Their first meeting reveals the film’s central tension: Samuel boldly states, “I think you like to be told what to do,” to which Romy does not disagree. Their relationship evolves into an electrifying affair, with Kidman masterfully portraying a woman both in control and utterly powerless against her desires.
Reijn, who also wrote the screenplay, crafts a story that reflects shifting gender and power dynamics, making Babygirl an engaging, if occasionally over-the-top, exploration of post-# #MeToo workplace relationships. One particularly memorable scene features Samuel feeding Romy saucers of milk while George Michael’s Father Figure plays—a visual that is both absurd and symbolic.
The chemistry between Kidman and Dickinson is magnetic. Kidman revisits the theme of female desire with the same intensity she displayed in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, while Dickinson brings a quiet intensity to Samuel’s calculated dominance. Despite their age gap, their connection feels visceral and authentic.
Adding complexity to the narrative is Esme (Sophie Wilde), Romy’s ambitious executive assistant, who adds another layer to the power dynamics within the corporate setting. As the affair escalates, Samuel’s control grows, and he begins to manipulate Romy, even threatening a call to HR. This subtle commentary on workplace politics and consent adds depth to the otherwise steamy storyline.
While Babygirl is rich in character exploration, some of its themes—such as automation and corporate dehumanization—feel underdeveloped. The film’s focus remains on the primal and often ludicrous aspects of desire. Samuel describes their relationship as “two children playing,” encapsulating the mix of tenderness and game-playing that defines their dynamic.
Shot in the actual New York headquarters of A24, the film’s setting adds an ironic twist to its themes of control and submission. However, the story’s occasional detours, like the saucers of milk, may distract from its core narrative.
Babygirl rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and language, runs for 114 minutes and is a provocative addition to A24’s lineup. With Nicole Kidman delivering yet another commanding performance, the film earns three out of four stars, offering an intriguing look at the complexities of human desire in the digital age.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
