Why ‘Babygirl’ Is Better Off Ignored This Awards Season!

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  • ‘Babygirl’ Gets Lost in Its Message of Sexual Empowerment
  • Halina Reijn Directs ‘Babygirl’ With an Unwelcome Frantic Energy

Currently, there’s not much demand for erotic thrillers, an unexpected situation considering Hollywood’s gradual shift towards more liberal portrayals of sex on screen. Many contemporary sex-related scenes or films are often tender and intimate, which is beneficial in numerous aspects. As a result, movies like “Babygirl” that fall under the erotic thriller genre are scarce. The arrival of Gen-Z creators in the entertainment industry presents a potential oversight, as very few productions have managed to authentically portray the carefree spirit of youth as Bodies Bodies Bodies did, or achieve the popularity that Charli XCX’s Brat enjoyed during the summer.

In simpler terms, the film “Babygirl” tries to portray taboo themes that stimulate our deepest instincts, but unfortunately, it ends up being disorganized and lacking focus. The story doesn’t effectively capture or convey the complex emotions of Nicole Kidman’s character, even though it follows her as a powerful corporate executive who starts an affair with her younger intern. There are hints of flirtation, but the explicit elements are only mildly intriguing.

The term that aptly describes Babygirl could be described as subdued or understated. It fails to delve into the steamy aspects of infidelity or the profound implications of an age-gap relationship, only touching upon the superficial visual elements. Unlike Bodies Bodies Bodies, Halina Reijn doesn’t seem to invest the same level of energy, and the film does not evoke the same sense of intensity or effort as that movie did. So, why doesn’t Babygirl succeed as an erotic thriller? What message is it trying to convey? How is it executed? Here are some insights into the film.

‘Babygirl’ Is an Unerotic Erotic Thriller

One challenge in creating an erotic thriller is the subjective interpretation of this genre among viewers, as there’s no clear standard for success. Given the significant role of tapping into audiences’ taboos, it can be tricky to convert fantasies into on-screen experiences. In the film “Babygirl”, the story initially delves into the strains faced by women in corporate environments and their unfulfilled desires despite their powerful roles. However, the narrative abruptly dives into an affair that lacks the necessary tension or satisfaction. The relationship between Nicole Kidman’s character and Harris Dickinson’s characters remains confined to such a limited sphere that we fail to perceive any real risk involved.

As a fan, I must admit that when Babygirl delves into its intimate scenes, they often feel fleeting and devoid of substance. The speed at which events unfold leaves us yearning for a deeper understanding of Nicole Kidman’s fantasies or how they are being fulfilled by Dickinson. In essence, it seems like Dickinson merely blurts out some abrupt statements, and that appears to be enough for them to start their relationship. Unfortunately, their chemistry is non-existent, and the reasons behind Kidman’s actions remain unexplored. Erotic thrillers can thrive on mystery and the allure of unspoken desires, but Babygirl fails to capture either of these elements effectively.

‘Babygirl’ Gets Lost in Its Message of Sexual Empowerment

Occasionally, “Babygirl” ventures to discuss women in positions of power or romance, only to retreat. If the relationship poses a significant risk for Kidman, potentially causing her to lose everything, there’s minimal exploration of its impact on her career or social status. Interestingly, there’s an inversion of traditional gender roles, yet due to our limited knowledge about them, this dynamic isn’t fully realized. With few consequences and little self-discovery, Kidman remains unchanged. She doesn’t experience empowerment or degradation; instead, her role in the affair seems to provide a protective buffer against potential danger.

In my humble opinion as a film critic, the narrative of “Babygirl” fails to delve into the complexities of Dickinson’s character. Instead, he serves merely as a prop for Kidman’s performance, who grapples throughout the movie to find the perfect pitch. There’s nothing distinctive about Dickinson that offers an insight into her character; he just happens to be in the right setting at the right moment, uttering some peculiar phrases to jolt her. Regrettably, they never share a meaningful exchange, which is arguably the most disappointing aspect of this film.

Halina Reijn Directs ‘Babygirl’ With an Unwelcome Frantic Energy

In Reijn’s portrayal, there seems to be a lack of space for the main narrative to develop fully. The film fails to delve into Kidman’s inner thoughts or the stress she experiences, except for instances where her daughter is unkind towards her. The movie seldom positions Kidman in conflict with her male colleagues or portrays her as submissive in her personal life. Instead, Reijn focuses extensively on the relationship between Kidman and Dickinson, particularly during their office interactions, which should ideally convey a sense of peril, but instead, remain quite close and intimate.

Instead of creating tension through a confined filming style, it seems to merely emphasize a dynamic that could be more effectively portrayed with a wider perspective. While plunging us into the intensity does offer some merit, the build-up is too swift to generate any significant tension. The characters have only a brief time before they initiate their affair, yet at this stage, Reijn has not provided any compelling reason for their actions. Moreover, the pacing of events feels inconsistent, lacking a sense of escalation in the intensity of their actions.

In simpler terms, “Babygirl” follows a repetitive pattern of intense erotic moments without any significant development in the relationship between Kidman and Dickinson. The movie’s structure is unusual and lacks consistency, making it difficult to understand their dynamic or their desires. Despite being an abrasive erotic thriller, “Babygirl” seems to shy away from graphic content, focusing more on shock value rather than setting the stage with foreplay. You can rent “Babygirl” on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

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2025-03-02 23:06