Erotic thrillers have largely faded from the cinematic landscape, often viewed as outdated and taboo. The decline is partly attributed to younger audiences gravitating away from overtly sexual content in cinema, coupled with the easy accessibility of explicit material online. However, director Halina Reijn, known for Bodies Bodies Bodies, aims to breathe new life into the genre with her latest film, Babygirl.
Romy (Nicole Kidman) seems to have it all: a high-powered career as a tech CEO, a loving husband (Antonio Banderas), two beautiful daughters, and financial security for life. Yet, beneath her picture-perfect life, something crucial is missing. Her husband has never fulfilled her sexually, and in her frustration, she secretly turns to domination porn—her hidden desire—for gratification. Everything changes when she crosses paths with Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a confident and ambitious intern assigned to her. It doesn’t take long for their chemistry to ignite, spiraling them into a toxic, steamy affair that risks everything Romy has built.
However, their affair is far from the typical erotic thriller steeped solely in power dynamics, control, and abuse. Director Halina Reijn deliberately blurs the lines of dominance, crafting a story where power shifts unpredictably between the characters. Unfolding like a neo-noir thriller, the relationship between Romy and Samuel becomes a game of wits, desire, and manipulation, with each character vying for control in their own way.
Samuel defies conventional archetypes; he is neither a smooth-talking seducer nor an inexperienced, naive intern. Instead, he’s a multifaceted character who exudes confidence and charisma in one moment, only to pivot to submission the next. His ability to read and exploit Romy’s desires makes him a compelling counterpart to her tightly wound, control-obsessed personality. Samuel’s calculated provocations challenge Romy, forcing her to grapple with the tension between her overpowering sexual urges and her crumbling moral compass.
This dynamic interplay creates a narrative that is as seductive as it is morally complex. The film weaves these tensions into a deliciously provocative erotic thriller, one that tantalizes audiences while exploring the darker, messier side of human relationships.
Nicole Kidman delivers what may be the most daring and emotionally raw performance of her career as Romy, a character whose layers of ambition, frustration, and forbidden desire make for a deeply compelling portrayal. Kidman fully embraces Romy’s complexities, balancing her commanding presence as a high-powered CEO with the vulnerability of a woman grappling with unmet needs and spiraling temptations. Her nuanced performance captures Romy’s internal struggle, making her both relatable and utterly captivating.
Opposite her, Harris Dickinson shines as Samuel, a character whose charm lies in his ability to seamlessly oscillate between seduction and submission. Dickinson brings an intensity to the role that is equal parts alluring and unsettling, making Samuel a fascinating foil to Romy’s tightly controlled persona. His chemistry with Kidman is electric, creating a dynamic that sizzles with tension and unpredictability.
Babygirl signals a bold resurgence of the erotic thriller genre, proving that a film can be sexy and thrilling without relying on gratuitous explicitness. Instead, the movie leans on charged performances, sharp writing, and the unrelenting tension of power dynamics to keep viewers on edge. Director Halina Reijn masterfully crafts a story that is provocative and deeply engaging, redefining what the genre can offer a modern audience.
My Rating: A-
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