Babygirl(2024) A Thriller That Doesn’t Thrill

This movie, would have been one of those movies that one can conveniently say crafts a provocative narrative that delves into the complexities of power dynamics, desire, and vulnerability within a corporate setting but, they turned it into an effing porn movie.

Starring Nicole Kidman as Romy Mathis, a high-powered CEO, and Harris Dickinson as Samuel, an intern, the film portrays the interplay between authority and submission, both in the boardroom and the bedroom.

Synopsis

Romy (Nicole Kidman) is the CEO of Tensile, a leading robotics company. Her somewhat controlled life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Samuel (Harris Dickinson), an intern who challenges her stoic exterior. Their professional relationship soon blurs into a seductive game of dominance and submission.

Review & Personal Criticism

Well, well, well, everything written above, is all there is to this film. I honestly was waiting patiently for the thriller part of the film as it was categorized in the genre but got nothing of such which made me conclude subjectively that they under-delivered.

If they wanted to put out a porn film, they should have just categorized it as such instead of calling it a thriller and delivering subpar drama. This movie only stands out as a daring exploration of eroticism and authority, anchored by Nicole Kidman’s performance. Objectively, her portrayal of Romy is both commanding and vulnerable, which captures the nuances of a woman who wields so much power but yearns for relinquishment in her personal life. Harris Dickinson on the other hand complements her with a somewhat chilling presence. He embodies an audacious intern who becomes both a muse and a mirror to Romy’s suppressed desires.

I’ll give it to them, the film’s visual aesthetic is striking, with cinematography that juxtaposes the sterile environment of corporate life against the raw intimacy of Romy and Samuel’s encounters. This contrast helps enhance the thematic exploration of control versus surrender. The soundtrack, featuring tracks from INXS and George Michael, also adds a pulsating rhythm that underscores the film’s sensuality.
While this film seems to excel in style and performance, it treads familiar ground.

There’s absolutely no profound new insight into the complexities of power and sexuality. The narrative’s focus on the affair’s erotic elements occasionally overshadows deeper character development, which leaves certain motivations underexplored. Additionally, the portrayal of the age-gap relationship and its implications does not resonate with me. Infact I was triggered by it.

Rating: 2.5/5.