“Babygirl,” an erotic thriller released in 2024, unveils matters of power games and forbidden longing. Helmed by Halina Reijn, the movie features an eccentric performance by Nicole Kidman as Romy, a powerful CEO who enters into a risky affair with much younger intern Samuel (Harris Dickinson). The relationship violates societal norms and presents serious threats to Romy’s career and family.
In a nutshell
Romy seems to have a perfect life on the outside: successful, married, and respected in her field. But the monotony of her personal life causes her to have a passionate affair with Samuel. And as things heated up, Romy would find herself in a world of secrecy and desire that poses great risks to her professional and personal worlds.
Cast and performances
Nicole Kidman as Romy has received praise for her depth and vulnerability. For this performance, she won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. In addition to this could-be-nonsense, it features an excellent performance from Harris Dickinson as Samuel, bringing a young man embroiled in a secret affair to life with a sense of allure and complexity. Antonio Banderas lends weight to the narrative as Jacob, thus strained the dynamics of this story.
Critical reception
“Babygirl” received moderately favorable reviews from critics. It has a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 249 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. According to Metacritic, the film scored 79 points out of 100, based on 55 reviews by critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics hailed the film for being bold in its discussions on taboo topics with strong performances from the lead actors.
Cultural Impact
The movie raised debates about mature female sexuality and the power dynamics in relationships. The memorable scene where Nicole Kidman was seen chugging a glass of milk transcended the frame of the film, leading to viral moments, including a recreation during her National Board of Review Awards acceptance speech. The film also rejuvenated the popularity of George Michael’s “Father Figure,” part of the movie’s soundtrack, which is symbolic of its powerful relevance to contemporary culture.
Box Office Performance
“Babygirl” has been a runaway box-office success. As of February 21, 2025, the film has grossed $61.7 million worldwide: $28.2 million from the USA and Canada, while $33.5 million came from overseas. In the UK and Ireland, it made £4,323,994, ranking it the seventh among all-time grossers in that territory for 2025.
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Conclusion
In all, “Babygirl” emerged a daring study of forbidden desire and power dynamics ridden with engaging performances offering a departure from normativity in its narrative. Its cultural resonance and box office success proclaim its significance and have created a niche in contemporary cinema.
