Nicole Kidman stars as Romy, a married woman who enters a dominant-submissive affair with a younger man, in the new film “Babygirl”. Directed by Halina Reijn, the movie is a psychological drama that explores themes of power, desire, and the regulation of women’s bodies.
Romy is a transfixing performance by Kidman, who bares her body and soul to play a complex character. She is a high-powered executive at a robotics company, but beneath the surface lies a woman with deep desires and vulnerabilities. As Romy navigates her affair with the younger man, Samuel (Harris Dickinson), she begins to question the perfection of her life.
Reijn’s attention to detail is meticulous, and she uses evocative choreography, soft lighting, and depth of focus to create an intimate atmosphere. The film’s pace is brisk, but it’s a deliberate choice that allows the audience to absorb the complexity of Romy’s emotions.
Kidman takes center stage in “Babygirl”, delivering a performance that risks laughter and shock in equal measure. As she dismantles her character’s perfection piece by piece, she exposes a raw vulnerability that can be both captivating and uncomfortable.
While some may find the film’s exploration of power dynamics and dominance to be limited, Kidman’s nuanced performance makes “Babygirl” an enjoyable liberation story that invites consideration of other possibilities. With its thought-provoking themes and stunning performances, this is one movie event you won’t want to miss.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/movies/babygirl-review.html