Babygirl (2025)

Release Date: January 12, 2025

Director: Halina Reijn

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas

Confession time: I usually stick to movies where people are fighting aliens or uncovering conspiracies, but in the spirit of spontaneity (and maybe a little boredom), I decided to give Babygirl a try. Spoiler alert: I had no idea what I was getting into. Let’s just say it’s a film that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and thank the cinema gods you didn’t bring your mom along.

Sexy CEO Shenanigans

The plot centers around Nicole Kidman’s character, Romy, a high-powered CEO who appears to have it all—except a fulfilling personal life. Her husband, Jacob (played by Antonio Banderas), seems more invested in his theater directing than their marriage, leaving her seeking thrills elsewhere. Enter Samuel, an ambitious intern played by Harris Dickinson, whose arrival sparks a sexual tension so palpable it practically fogs up the screen. What follows is an erotic, tension-filled saga that feels like a 50 Shades of Grey remix but with a corporate twist. Oh, and a lot more awkward silence in the theater as everyone collectively wonders, “Should I even be watching this?”

Kidman’s Romy is polished, powerful, and… let’s say adventurous. She’s torn between her responsibilities as a leader and her desires as a woman. It’s a complex setup, but the execution? Well, let’s just say it’s more cringe than captivating. Watching her navigate this messy affair is fascinating in a trainwreck kind of way, but at times, it’s hard not to wonder what exactly attracted her to Samuel’s less-than-charismatic persona.

Awkward Chemistry, Anyone?

Let’s talk about Harris Dickinson. His character, Samuel, is supposed to be irresistible—the kind of guy who could turn a boardroom into a bedroom with just a smirk. But here’s the problem: he doesn’t quite have the charm to pull it off. Instead of feeling like a magnetic force of nature, he comes across as mildly appealing at best. Sure, he’s got the looks, but the personality? Meh. His attempts to dominate the relationship feel forced, and the lack of natural chemistry between him and Kidman’s Romy makes their scenes together feel… well, awkward.

Now, I’m not saying every affair needs to be dripping with passion and allure, but when the core of your movie hinges on this dynamic, it’s hard not to be disappointed when the sparks just don’t fly.

Nicole Kidman: A Queen, but Not Quite Here

Nicole Kidman is undoubtedly a legend, but this performance? Not her finest. To be fair, she’s given a character that feels more like a collection of tropes than a fully fleshed-out person. She does her best to bring depth to the role, but between the awkward dialogue and the over-the-top scenarios, it’s an uphill battle. Also, can we talk about the makeup? Something about her look in this movie just felt off. It’s like the production team couldn’t decide if they wanted her to be glamorous or relatable and ended up somewhere weirdly in between.

Antonio Banderas as Jacob provides a subdued but solid performance as the oblivious husband, and while his role is minor, it helps ground the movie in a semblance of reality. However, the real scene-stealers are the side characters, like Romy’s assistant Kara, who injects some much-needed humor and humanity into the mix.

The Elephant in the Room: Those Scenes

If you’re planning to watch Babygirl, prepare yourself for some… let’s call them “memorable” scenes. The film doesn’t shy away from explicit content, and while some moments are tastefully done, others cross into “why am I watching this with strangers” territory. Case in point: a certain scene involving a late-night office romp. Let’s just say it’s the kind of thing that makes you grateful for dim lighting and a few beers beforehand.

What really stood out, though, is how the movie treats these moments. Instead of exploring the emotional or psychological layers of their relationship, it feels like the filmmakers were more interested in shock value. It’s provocative, sure, but it often feels hollow, like it’s trying too hard to be edgy.

Double Standards: Let’s Talk About It

One thing that struck me while watching Babygirl was the double standard in how these stories are portrayed. If this movie had been about an older male CEO seducing a young female intern, it probably would’ve been dismissed as creepy and predatory. But when the roles are reversed, it’s marketed as bold, empowering, and sexy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for exploring unconventional dynamics, but the film’s approach feels more like it’s glamorizing the affair than critically examining it. It’s a tricky line to walk, and Babygirl stumbles more often than it succeeds.

Cinematography: Sleek but Shallow

Visually, the movie is polished. The sleek offices, luxurious apartments, and moody lighting set the perfect tone for a story about power and desire. But while the cinematography is impressive, it doesn’t do much to elevate the narrative. It’s like putting a bow on a box of crackers—sure, it looks nice, but what’s inside isn’t all that exciting.

The score by Halina Reijn’s team, though, is one of the film’s few highlights. It’s sultry and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the film’s themes even when the plot itself falters.

Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag

At the end of the day, Babygirl is the kind of movie you watch out of curiosity, not because you think it’s going to blow your mind. It’s an odd mix of steamy and awkward, with moments that’ll make you laugh (sometimes unintentionally) and others that’ll make you squirm. Nicole Kidman does her best with what she’s given, but the lack of chemistry between the leads and the shallow treatment of the story’s themes hold it back from being anything more than a mildly entertaining diversion.

Would I recommend it? Only if you’ve got a couple of hours to kill and don’t mind a side of cringe with your drama. Otherwise, you’re probably better off waiting for something more engaging to hit the big screen.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 10 stars)

Until next time, keep your drinks cold, your expectations low, and your popcorn buttered. Cheers! 🥂