Babygirl is the cinematic equivalent of a candle you shouldn’t light but can’t resist. Directed by Halina Reijn, who previously helmed Bodies Bodies Bodies, the film is an intense dive into forbidden romance and power dynamics, starring none other than Nicole Kidman. Set to hit U.S. theaters on December 25, 2024, Babygirl promises a steamy, twisted plot and raises a few eyebrows by embracing erotic tension in a world where subtlety often reigns supreme. The film, backed by indie powerhouse A24, blends dark passion with psychological tension, and oh, it certainly brings the heat.
A High-Powered Cast and Controversial Plot
Nicole Kidman stars as Romy, a high-flying CEO who seems to have it all—wealth, power, and family. But as life often goes for powerful protagonists in movies, her picture-perfect world is just a few scenes away from unraveling. Enter Samuel, an audacious young intern played by Harris Dickinson, whose calculated charm quickly pulls Romy into a risky affair. Romy’s journey from an icy executive to someone wrestling with deep-seated desires is what makes this thriller tick.
It’s easy to see why Kidman took on this role. Romy is unapologetically flawed and reckless, exploring a side of herself that could torpedo everything she’s built. Kidman’s commitment to the role, combined with her palpable on-screen chemistry with Dickinson, brings out a forbidden allure that hasn’t been seen much since Hollywood’s erotic thriller heydays.
Kidman Goes All-In, and the Audience Goes Along
If the early festival buzz is any indication, Kidman’s performance here is among her boldest yet. Critics have praised her portrayal of Romy as intense, raw, and deeply vulnerable. Playing a character who’s both in control and completely unhinged in her personal life, Kidman makes Romy’s descent into moral gray areas captivating. The character is vulnerable, torn between duty and a yearning for intimacy that feels as thrilling as it is catastrophic. Kidman’s emotionally charged delivery garnered her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival, and it’s no wonder—she delivers the kind of performance that both shocks and endears.
As for Dickinson, his portrayal of Samuel is a wild card—ambitious, daring, and perhaps a bit naive, his character serves as both a mirror and a foil to Romy. Dickinson’s onscreen confidence has drawn praise, with critics noting how he manages to walk the fine line between boyish charm and a more primal magnetism. Together, Kidman and Dickinson explore territory that isn’t for the faint of heart. Reijn’s direction takes the film away from the typical Hollywood polish, giving it a raw, grounded feel.
Halina Reijn Brings Indie Grit to a Polarizing Genre
Directed by Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn, Babygirl draws inspiration from classic films like Basic Instinct and Indecent Proposal, yet it subverts expectations by prioritizing emotional truth over cheap thrills. Reijn, known for her skill with complex female leads, handles the film’s controversial scenes with an intimacy and subtlety that is rare for this genre. In fact, Reijn’s directorial choices highlight the psychological underpinnings of Romy’s actions, making the affair feel as much about reclaiming autonomy as it is about pure seduction.
For Reijn, Babygirl isn’t just about exploring desire—it’s about dissecting the walls people put up around themselves and what happens when those walls inevitably come down. Critics have applauded her willingness to dive headlong into the taboo, navigating the plot’s murky ethics without judgment.
On-Screen Chemistry and Off-Screen Tensions
Behind the scenes, Kidman and Dickinson have shared openly about the trust required to portray such an intimate and complex relationship. With an experienced intimacy coordinator guiding the more daring scenes, both actors were able to bring out the film’s edginess while setting clear personal boundaries. Dickinson has described Kidman as a warm and generous scene partner, while Kidman admitted that some scenes left her feeling emotionally drained, requiring breaks to reset between takes. It’s this level of commitment that adds an authentic tension to Babygirl, making it as thought-provoking as it is provocative.
A Modern Take on the Erotic Thriller
The erotic thriller genre has been making a subtle comeback, but Babygirl stands out by bringing a female-centric perspective to the storyline. Reijn doesn’t shy away from the power struggle inherent in Romy and Samuel’s relationship. Instead, she leans into it, raising questions about autonomy, vulnerability, and the consequences of giving in to desire.
Early reviews have celebrated the film’s willingness to tackle themes often glossed over in mainstream cinema. It’s rare to see a film that engages with female desire so candidly, and even rarer to see one that avoids moralizing the character’s choices. Romy’s journey is messy and fraught with peril, yet Reijn’s approach keeps it human, allowing viewers to empathize even as they cringe at her decisions.
Critical Reception and Box Office Potential
Following its Venice Film Festival premiere, where Kidman’s performance was showered with praise, Babygirl has garnered a strong early reception, holding a 93% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics seem divided on the film’s unfiltered portrayal of intimacy, with some lauding it as a brave take on the genre, while others find it to tread uncomfortable territory. Regardless, Babygirl is stirring up the exact kind of conversation that fuels box office curiosity.
For A24, this film is yet another daring addition to its roster of unconventional releases, and if audiences respond well, Babygirl might just become a sleeper hit. With Kidman’s performance drawing Oscar whispers, it will be interesting to see if this movie can translate critical acclaim into awards season momentum.
Babygirl: Why It’s Worth the Watch
If you’re tired of Hollywood’s endless parade of reboots and sequels, Babygirl might be the refreshing, albeit racy, departure you’re looking for. Nicole Kidman’s fearless portrayal of Romy is both engaging and unsettling, inviting audiences to explore complex themes without any spoon-feeding. Dickinson brings an unpredictable energy that complements Kidman’s steady resolve, resulting in a pairing that’s as electric as it is volatile.
Under Reijn’s assured direction, Babygirl manages to be both an indictment and an embrace of the forbidden. It’s not a film for everyone, but for those willing to venture beyond the sanitized romances of typical dramas, Babygirl offers a potent, unapologetically adult narrative that’s as thought-provoking as it is tantalizing.
