Last year gave cinema enthusiasts and moviegoers many showstopping releases. Among several theatrical and critical successes, there are films that did not make the cut for awards season, or even into mainstream popularity. One of these is the erotic thriller, “Babygirl.”
Released on Dec. 25, the film is a joke of a watch. “Babygirl” is a failure of a film with an unsatisfying plot and unbearable screenplay, despite the star-studded cast.
“Babygirl” follows Romy, a CEO of a tech company. When her company brings in new interns, one of them, named Samuel, starts to seduce her into a sexual relationship. Despite her happy marriage, two children and the enormous age gap, they embark on a whirlwind affair that puts their careers, and families, at risk.
The film claims to give insight into growing older as a woman, but instead of highlighting impossible beauty standards and insecurity of aging, it vilifies long-term sexual fidelity.
Additionally, the story is troublesome in the sense that it romanticizes cheating. Romy’s happy marriage and devoted husband makes the supposedly “thrilling” adultery even sadder, as she is completely disregarding the relationship with her spouse for this much younger, careless man.
Additionally, the film advertises itself as an erotica; however, the film contains some of the most unerotic erotica of the modern-day features of the genre. The lack of intimacy and the twisted, concerning dom-sub relationship takes any intended sexiness away from the film. It ends up being unserious, laughable even, and feels like it goes on way too long.
The relationship is embarrassing for Romy and her intern, so much so that it makes it hard for the viewer to stay engaged. If it wasn’t for the ridiculousness of the plot, “Babygirl” would be unable to hold audience engagement, despite its under two-hour runtime.
The film stars Nicole Kidman, whose acting prowess is not unknown amongst global audiences; however, her performance as Romy is a disappointment. It’s upsetting to see Kidman, who’s such a powerful figure in the film industry, take on a role that’s taking steps backwards for female characters in film.
Whatever the intent, the role ends up painting a strong, powerful woman as suddenly weak and vulnerable when a younger, attractive man enters the picture. Harris Dickinson stars opposite her as Samuel, the younger intern. His performance, though effective, became cringey with the unthoughtful and random nature of the romance.
The legend that is Antonio Banderas takes on the role of Romy’s husband, Jacob, who is the best part of the movie. His character is the only one that’s likeable as he personifies the image of the perfect man that women strive for when in a marriage as long as his and Romy’s.
The other distressing aspect of the film is the fact that it was helmed by a woman. Halina Reijn directed, wrote and produced the film. An opportunity for an effective message and a realistic feminine point of view was missed, which is saddening for viewers and those who want to see empowered female stories in film.
“Babygirl” is nothing like the trailer. It’s an unsexy, unserious and disappointing film that is not worth the watch.
“Babygirl” is now screening in theaters and available to rent.
