Babygirl (Review)
Despite my usual admiration for A24 films and their bold narratives, Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, left me with mixed feelings. While the film is visually stunning and thematically daring, its lack of character depth ultimately detracted from the emotional impact, leaving it as more of a provocative concept than a resonant story, at least in my eyes.
Babygirl (Credit: A24)
The narrative centers on Romy (Nicole Kidman), a successful CEO who risks her career and family life when she begins a passionate affair with Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a significantly younger intern at her firm. While the film's premise suggests a daring examination of power, desire, and ethical dilemmas, it ultimately falls short in providing the emotional resonance needed to engage the audience fully.
One aspect where Babygirl shines is its visual presentation. The cinematography is stellar, featuring meticulously framed shots that highlight both the corporate environment Romy navigates and the intense intimacy of her secret relationship. Reijn’s direction fosters an immersive atmosphere, transitioning from shadowy office settings to deeply emotional private encounters. The visuals effectively illustrate the contrast between Romy’s composed facade and her increasingly chaotic inner life.
Babygirl (Credit: A24)
Reijn also deserves praise for her courage in addressing taboo topics directly. The film boldly engages with its themes, challenging the limits of mainstream cinema to spark dialogue. This strategy, combined with a layered performance by Nicole Kidman, grounds the film in a raw and unfiltered examination of human desire.
However, the film’s characters fall short of the depth required to support such an ambitious storyline. Samuel’s character, in particular, is notably underdeveloped. Aside from being an intern at Romy’s company, we learn very little about him—his background, motivations, or emotional state. This lack of complexity makes it hard to connect with him or comprehend why he becomes the center of Romy’s obsession, other than being conveniently available at the right moment.
Romy herself is only marginally better off. The opening scene—where she retreats to another room to “finish herself” after a disappointing encounter with her husband—suggests her inner conflict, but the film fails to expand on this premise. Her dissatisfaction with family life is depicted in broad strokes: a domineering husband who criticizes her, apathetic children who overlook her, and holiday photo sessions that she rushes through with clear annoyance. Instead of delving into Romy’s emotional and psychological challenges, the film simplifies her to a woman primarily motivated by unfulfilled sexual desires.
Babygirl (Credit: A24)
This lack of nuance undermines the emotional stakes of the story. Without a deeper understanding of the characters, their actions and decisions feel more like plot mechanics than organic developments, leaving the audience disengaged. At least, that’s all it did for me.
While ambiguity can be a strength in storytelling, it feels like a missed opportunity here. The film hints at complex themes—power dynamics, the intersection of professional and personal lives, and the societal pressures placed on women—but rarely delves into them meaningfully. For example, Romy’s professional success and control contrast starkly with her dissatisfaction, yet the film stops fully exploring this dichotomy. Similarly, Samuel’s motivations remain frustratingly opaque, making it difficult to discern whether he is a willing participant, a manipulative opportunist, or simply a passive figure caught in Romy’s downward spiral.
Babygirl (Credit: A24)
If you ask me, Babygirl will be a divisive film that will surely provoke discussion. It boasts impressive visuals, a solid atmosphere, and a bold willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects. Nicole Kidman’s performance as Romy is layered and compelling, capturing the tension between vulnerability and control. However, the film’s lack of character depth and reluctance to fully engage with its themes leave it feeling emotionally hollow.
While Babygirl embodies A24’s signature boldness and visual flair, it ultimately falls short of the emotional resonance and character development that make their best films shine. For viewers who value atmosphere and provocation over narrative depth, Babygirl may still be worth a watch. For others, it might remind them that even the most daring concepts need strong characters to shine genuinely.
RATING:
2.5/5
