Babygirl (2024)
When it comes to this past decade, it becomes abundantly clear that not many romance films have made it to theaters. A genre shuffled to streaming as a casualty of the pandemic fragmenting audiences, these flicks have struggled to regain relevance in recent years. A24’s “Babygirl,” a feminine erotica that excellently juggles power and control despite familiarity, is defined by a spectacular lead performance from Nicole Kidman that embodies desperate desire amidst a universal story that ensures this film will garner awareness.
Nicole Kidman’s spectacular, desperate, kinky, and electric lead performance as Romy is enthralling to watch, in part because of how grounded it feels in portraying rough desire. This being her quest is palpable from the very first enthralling scene, and it never stops in the confrontation between personal desire and social obligations. One scene in particular, which involves her and Harris Dickinson’s Samuel in a stiffly charged interview, manages to be attentive to showing the indecision and tension between professional and personal life, dangling suspense in the air as boundaries are silently crossed. Proving she still has gall after all this time, Nicole Kidman is the glass of milk that holds the film together, providing Romy with a realistic arc of womanly desire in frustrating normalcy.
Harris Dickinson’s mysteriously plain supporting role as Samuel is the dominant answer to a wet blanket fantasy. His frustratingly emo paper bag self provides a decent anchor for the script to tie itself upon with a character who can push boundaries, even if he ultimately doesn’t have the willpower to stand by his words. The behavior he exhibits indicates someone more mature than his peers, yet still snaps from time to time under incredibly tense situations. Obsessive texting, vague requests to meet up, etc all signify his desire to hold power over Romy’s life and be a gatekeeper to pleasure, no matter how much he may grant a fantasy.
Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies) brings a much-needed female gaze to the director’s chair, ensuring authenticity while also maintaining risk.
Surprisingly, the score in this caught me off-guard. The pulsating nightclub vibes it gives to the film really accompany it well and increase eccentric tension, especially in the more risque takes that “Babygirl” has to offer.
If there’s one thing that holds “Babygirl” back, it's a lack of guts that radiates through the whole film. Understandably, Romy is indecisive for a good majority, questioning whether she should go with her head or her inner desires. By the time the film truly gets going, there’s already a sense of timidness present in it that doesn't go away, holding itself back from expressing intenseness.
Overall, Babygirl is a solid enough erotica romance that should please adult audiences looking for a more mature option this holiday season, despite stumbling at times due to not going far enough in tone and themes.
6/10 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
Where to Watch: In Theaters, PVOD (on 1/28)
