“Babygirl” is a tantalizing dive into the consequences of desire

^{Refusing to be pigeonholed, director Halina Reijn goes from dark comedy to erotic thriller for her fourth film, “Babygirl” from A24. Rejin also wrote the screenplay for the film, which examines the complexities of power dynamics and sexuality in a professional environment.}

^{Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman) is a high-ranking CEO in the Big Apple married to playwright Jacob (Antonio Banderas), with whom she shares two daughters, Esme (Sophie Wilde) and Isabel (Esther McGregor). Romy and Jacob appear to have a healthy sex life. However, Romy has a secret, and after every session with Jacob, she’s unfulfilled, and while he’s sleeping, she’s pleasuring herself to finish the job her husband can’t.}

^{During a typical workday, her assistant Emse (portrayed by Sophie Wilde) presents the newest cohort of interns, which features the particularly ambitious Samuel (played by Harris Dickinson). Utilizing his charisma, Samuel successfully gains access to a mentorship opportunity, which ultimately initiates a series of events that culminate in a complex and contentious relationship characterized by elements of sadomasochism. Before long, the two hook up into hotel and board rooms and have kirks involving the George Michael song “Father Figure.”}

^{Growing up in the nineties, I remember when the erotic thriller genre was all the rage. Hits films from directors like Adrian Lyne and Paul Verhoeven would lead to many cheap imitations on late-night Cinemax that focused more on the T&A and less on sensual elements that Lyne and Verhoeven perfected. Before the film’s release, Reijn mentioned that her interest in exploring women’s relationships with their bodies was a key motivator for making this movie.}

^{For the most part, she does succeed. Working with intimacy coach Lizzie Talbot, Reijn crafts a film that is light on the nudity but instead chooses to focus on perhaps why we react the way we do when it comes to sex. As evident in films like “Malice,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” and “To Die For,” Kidman is one never to shy away from risqué material. During the love scenes, Kidman is organic. However, the character struggles with something.}

^{In that regard, I can already see think pieces coming from red-pill advocates who will argue that the film does not adequately address the hypocrisy of the female CEO. However, Reijn was going for that angle, as this movie is for women. The supporting cast is strong, with Banderas delivering some of his best work in years as Romy’s in-the-dark husband and Sophie Wilde successfully pivoting from the horror genre to drama. The real downside of the film is our male lead, Harris Dickinson.}

^{After delivering a strong performance in last year’s “The Iron Claw,” he now comes across as a comical and spoiled tech bro. His attempt to seduce Kidman’s character feels weak and forced due to his line delivery. Actors like Cole Hauser or Charlie Hunnam, who are both younger than Kidman, would have been better for the role.}

^{Time magazine has named “Babygirl” their best film of the year, and it will divide audiences. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it the best, primarily due to an unconvincing performance by Dickinson, but I would mildly recommend it to fans of Nicole Kidman.}

^{Final Grade: B-}

^{“Babygirl” opens in theaters on Christmas Day.}