Babygirl: Sex Sells Faster than Amazon Prime
Babygirl (2024)
Halina Reijn’s latest feature, Babygirl, is a dynamic exploration of relationships, sexuality, family dynamics, and the societal pressures placed on women in corporate America. Featuring standout performances from Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, the film offers a raw, unflinching look at an age-gap relationship, avoiding the tired, objectified trope of the villainized Mrs. Robinson. Instead, it delves into the complexities of desire, power, and vulnerability within the context of modern relationships, all while subtly critiquing capitalism and the expectations placed on women at different stages of life.
Nicole Kidman’s Romy is a modern-day woman! She embodies a tension between traditional heteronormative nuclear family values and the desire for sexual liberation and self-actualization. Plump with botox, she is as robotic and cold as the Amazon-like monolithic tech company she is the CEO of… Until she meets sauve smart ravey New York tracksuit-wearing, cigarette on a rooftop smoking, intern guy, Samuel, played by up-and-coming Harry Dickinson, who quite literally has her begging on her knees. In a pivotal time of sexual exploration, Romy finds herself at a crossroads where her family, career, and sense of identity are all at risk.
Context is key. I came across a few certified Reddit-film-bros who argued that the dynamic between Romy and Samuel felt unrealistic, suggesting that if the roles were reversed, it would be deemed completely inappropriate. But that’s precisely the point. Yes, there’s a clear power imbalance in their relationship due to Romy’s professional authority over Samuel, but Samuel’s sexual power in the relationship helps level the playing field. It’s not about a perfect power dynamic—it’s about the complexities of human connection. And frankly, I’m not interested in watching a film about perfect people. Both characters are flawed, and that imperfection is what makes them all the more interesting and, honestly, sexy.
It wouldn’t be an egregious exaggeration to label the 2020s as the film era of eroticism, with shows like Euphoria and films like Anora (2024), where sex as exploration is practically plastered across the posters in neon glitter. Now, I’m not here to criticize those works, but I believe Babygirl offers a more grounded exploration of eroticism, particularly in its focus on female pleasure. The film dives deep into Romy’s journey of learning to orgasm, demystifying the female experience through awkward moments and vulnerable conversations. It’s a refreshing and authentic portrayal, one that expertly balances the duality of sensationalism and raw, unfiltered emotion.
One moment that particularly stood out to me occurs toward the end of the film—without giving away any spoilers—where Romy and Samuel’s relationship is questioned in terms of its categorization. The tension around naming it, whether as a BDSM or Dom/Sub dynamic, offers a thought-provoking commentary on our society’s obsession with labeling. In a culture where sexuality is often confined to neat categories, this moment subtly critiques how such labels can sometimes feel limiting or inauthentic. This exchange, carefully crafted in the script, touches on a much larger issue we face in our daily lives, often debated in polarized comment sections. Sex, inherently personal and relationship-based, is paradoxically discussed so openly in popular culture and online. By connecting these two worlds in such an intimate way, the film highlights the importance of vulnerability and openness in our relationships, suggesting that we should focus more on having honest conversations with our partners rather than constantly trying to label or define everything in society.
That being said, the pacing can feel uneven at times. The timeline also felt a little off—like, I get that December can stretch on, but how long does a Christmas tree really need to stay up? I also found the sexy montage scenes a bit sensationalized, especially when compared to the rave scene, which, in contrast, did a much better job of capturing the chaotic, disorienting experience of public sensuality. The overwhelming sense of searching for someone in a sea of sweaty ravers, with ear-splitting EDM and strobe lights flashing around you, felt much more authentic. Still, for those willing to lean into the quieter moments, Babygirl offers a deeply rewarding experience.
Our editor’s Letterboxd review…iykyk
If you’re in the mood for an introspective, character-driven film that boldly delves into the complexities of sex and desire, I highly recommend catching Babygirl while it's still in theaters. Sext your crush, drink some milk, and enjoy the show.