Babygirl is a 2024 American erotic thriller written, directed, and co-produced by Halina Reijn. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas. It debuted at the Venice International Film Festival, where Kidman won the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Following its Venice premiere, the film made its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set for a U.S. theatrical release on December 25, 2024.
The film explores complex themes of power dynamics and forbidden romance in a professional setting. Kidman plays Romy, a high-ranking CEO who embarks on an illicit affair with a much younger intern, portrayed by Dickinson. The relationship is complicated not only by age but by the hierarchy within the American corporate world, where such a connection feels particularly taboo.
| Directed by | Halina Reijn |
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| Written by | Halina Reijn |
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| Cinematography | Jasper Wolf |
| Edited by | Matthew Hannam |
| Music by | Cristobal Tapia de Veer |
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| Distributed by | A24 |
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Running time
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114 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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Production Background
In late 2023, it was announced that David Hinojosa of 2AM would produce the film alongside Halina Reijn, with financing from A24. Julia Oh, Zach Nutman, and Christine D’Souza Gelb of 2AM were brought on as executive producers. Reijn, who wrote and directed the film, drew inspiration from classic erotic thrillers from the ’80s and ’90s, such as Indecent Proposal and Basic Instinct. Her aim was to examine women’s relationships with their bodies while creating a provocative and unflinching portrayal of a complex and taboo relationship. Reijn noted that the strict hierarchy in U.S. workplaces made the affair even more forbidden and intense. The film also benefited from the expertise of intimacy coordinator Lizzie Talbot.
Casting and Filming
The cast was revealed in November 2023, with Kidman, Dickinson, Banderas, Wilde, and Jean Reno leading the ensemble. Additional cast members include John Cenatiempo, Vaughan Reilly, Victor Slezak, and Maxwell Whittington-Cooper. Filming took place in New York City from December 2023 to February 2024.
Themes and Cinematic Influence
Babygirl explores themes of sexuality, power, and vulnerability. The story delves into a forbidden romance set against the backdrop of a high-stakes corporate environment. Reijn’s direction and the film’s premise are heavily influenced by earlier erotic thrillers, particularly the works of directors Paul Verhoeven and Adrian Lyne. The tension between the characters is both thrilling and unsettling, with a clinical and daring portrayal of intimacy and power struggles.
Critical Reception
Critics have largely praised the film for its boldness, with many highlighting Kidman’s performance as a standout. On Rotten Tomatoes, Babygirl holds an impressive 90% approval rating, with an average score of 7.6/10. The film is described as “sexually frank” with a provocative edge, and Kidman’s portrayal of Romy is seen as a departure from her more conventional roles, offering a mix of vulnerability and strength. Harris Dickinson’s portrayal of the young intern was also lauded for bringing complexity to a character who might otherwise be seen as a mere object of desire.
Damon Wise from Deadline Hollywood praised Kidman’s performance, stating that she “imbues Romy with a psychological vulnerability” that sets her apart from similar characters in films like Fifty Shades of Grey. Nicholas Barber of the BBC appreciated the gritty, indie-style direction, emphasizing Reijn’s choice to expose the raw truths behind the characters’ interactions.
Other critics, such as Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair, noted the film’s voyeuristic quality, likening it to watching “test subjects through a two-way mirror.” Despite some criticism regarding the film’s pacing and occasional lack of heat, most reviewers agreed that Babygirl successfully created an atmosphere of tension, sensuality, and intrigue.
Conclusion
Babygirl is a daring and thought-provoking erotic thriller that tackles themes of power, sexuality, and forbidden attraction in a modern corporate setting. Halina Reijn’s direction, combined with standout performances from Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, offers a fresh take on the genre, blending psychological depth with raw, unflinching portrayals of intimacy. The film’s exploration of women’s relationships with their bodies, as well as its cinematic influences, make it a compelling watch for fans of erotic thrillers and psychological dramas alike.
