“Babygirl,” the latest movie directed by Halina Reijn, takes us on a journey through passion, desire, power dynamics, and self-discovery. With Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in the lead roles, the film dives deep into the complicated story of a passionate office romance, revealing the “complicated mess” of human connections.
Plot and Characters
The film follows Romy (Nicole Kidman), a successful CEO of a robotics company in New York City, who is married to a theater director named Jacob (Antonio Banderas). Despite her seemingly perfect life, Romy craves excitement and draws herself to Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a charming intern at her company. As their affair unfolds in secret within the soundproof offices, Romy and Samuel navigate the risks and consequences of their actions. The screenplay cleverly addresses contemporary attitudes towards consent and workplace dynamics, contrasting with the reckless affairs depicted in classic thrillers.
Performances and Characterization
Nicole Kidman’s performance as Romy in Babygirl” is truly captivating. She does an amazing job of conveying Romy’s emotional depth and inner turmoil without overdoing it. Her delicate acting choices make the character feel so real and relatable.
Kidman’s willingness to portray Romy’s less glamorous aspects adds a layer of authenticity to her performance. It shows that she’s not afraid to dive deep into the character and explore the complexities of her personality.
Harris Dickinson is as impressive as Samuel, combining confidence with awkwardness, which keeps the audience engaged. The unpredictable relationship between their characters highlights Dickinson’s ability to adapt as an actor. Antonio Banderas offers a strong supporting role as Jacob, Romy’s husband, while Sophie Wilde and Esther McGregor play her daughters as Esme and Isabel, respectively.
The contrast between Romy and Jacob’s physical intimacy and Romy’s subsequent masturbation is a powerful way to establish the film’s themes of unfulfilled desires and the disconnect between public and private selves. The scene also hints at Romy’s internal struggle to reconcile societal expectations with her yearnings.
Themes and Execution
“Babygirl” explores themes of desire, identity, and the consequences of infidelity. Director Halina Reijn’s indie-style approach contrasts sharply with traditional Hollywood narratives, focusing on the unglamorous realities of life rather than idealized portrayals. The film’s cinematography and score contribute to its overall impact. Murali G’s camerawork captures the intimate moments between Romy and Samuel with a raw intensity, while Jake Bejoy’s haunting score adds depth to the characters’ emotional journey.
Conclusion
It’s a thought-provoking film that challenges traditional notions of desire and agency. The movie explores complex themes and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Halina Reijn’s caring way of directing and the good acting from everyone in the movie make it a great choice for people who like stories focused on characters.
This film might not be for everyone because it talks about grown-up topics, but it’s an important movie today that will stay with you if you enjoy stories with depth and complicated characters.
