Directed by Halina Reijn, this A24 film sees Kidman portraying Romy, a powerful CEO who seems to have it all: success, a loving husband (played by Antonio Banderas), and two daughters. But beneath the surface, Romy is struggling with her own desires and fantasies.
The film opens with a scene of Romy faking an orgasm, setting the tone for what’s to come. While her life appears perfect, Romy feels trapped in a routine, yearning for something more. This leads her into an affair with Samuel, an intern at her company played by Harris Dickinson. Their relationship, filled with S&M elements, challenges Romy’s perceptions of power and control, leaving her conflicted and guilty.
Kidman’s performance in "Babygirl" pushes her boundaries, even more so than in her previous work. The intimate scenes in this movie were a challenge for her, with Kidman admitting she felt exposed and vulnerable. However, she trusted Reijn to guide her through this complex role, knowing the director would not exploit her.
Reijn, known for her work on 'Bodies Bodies Bodies', sees the film as a story of reconciliation about accepting all parts of oneself, even those that are hidden or shameful. She believes that every person has a beast inside, and women, in particular, are still finding the space to explore this aspect of themselves.
Harris Dickinson, who plays Samuel, noted the vulnerability required to perform the film’s intense scenes, yet he embraced the challenge. Reijn emphasized the importance of such scenes when done correctly, even opening the movie with a fake orgasm to highlight the disparity often seen in sexual experiences.
'Babygirl' is not just another film; it’s a provocative exploration of desire, power, and self-acceptance, and it’s already sparking conversations. With its bold content and Kidman’s fearless performance, it’s sure to be a movie that leaves a lasting impact.