Premiere - Babygirl : A Thrilling Evening at Allociné Club Premiere and a Bold Take on the Erotic Thriller Genre

By Mulder, Paris, Forum des Images, 09 january 2025

On January 9, 2025, the Allociné club offered its members a cinematic experience by hosting a private screening of Halina Reijn’s provocative new film, Babygirl. Held at the Forum des Images, the event welcomed an eager audience to delve into this daring exploration of female desire. Before the screening commenced, guests were greeted with a nostalgic touch—a glass of milk and a cookie—setting a relaxed yet curious tone for the evening. Following the film, a stimulating debate took place, moderated by Allociné journalist Brigitte Baronnet, alongside prominent figures such as Camille Aumont Carnel, an author and feminist activist, and Nathalie Chifflet, president of the French film critics' union.

Babygirl, written, directed, and produced by Halina Reijn, marks a significant entry into the erotic thriller genre. The film centers on Romy, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, a high-powered CEO who finds herself entangled in a passionate and dangerous affair with a younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson. Antonio Banderas and Sophie Wilde also deliver compelling performances, rounding out a stellar cast.

The film draws inspiration from classic erotic thrillers of the 1980s and 1990s, yet it manages to infuse these familiar tropes with a modern sensibility. Reijn’s narrative is not merely about illicit desire; it delves into the deeper themes of power dynamics, societal expectations, and personal liberation. The genesis of Babygirl stems from a poignant story shared with Reijn about a woman who had been married for 25 years without ever experiencing an orgasm. This revelation sparked Reijn’s interest in exploring women's complex relationships with intimacy and their bodies, lending an emotional authenticity to the film.

Set against the backdrop of the American corporate world, Babygirl heightens its tension by placing its characters in a milieu governed by strict hierarchies and cultural taboos. This setting amplifies the stakes of Romy’s affair, making each decision fraught with potential fallout.Principal photography took place in New York City during the winter months of late 2023 and early 2024. The city’s cold and stark landscape perfectly mirrors the film’s tense atmosphere. Jasper Wolf’s cinematography captures the sleek, impersonal world of corporate power, while Matthew Hannam’s sharp editing maintains a gripping pace throughout the film. Adding to the intensity is Cristobal Tapia de Veer’s haunting score, which enhances the film’s emotional depth. The soundtrack also features Sky Ferreira’s original song, Leash, and a memorable scene underscored by INXS’s classic track Never Tear Us Apart, a contribution that Nicole Kidman personally helped secure.

Babygirl premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2024, where Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Romy earned her the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Critics praised her nuanced performance, highlighting her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. The film continued to build momentum at the Toronto International Film Festival before its theatrical release on December 25, 2024. Despite facing stiff competition during the crowded holiday release period, Babygirl performed admirably at the box office, earning $7.3 million over its opening weekend and eventually grossing $21.5 million worldwide by early January 2025. Its success is attributed not only to its bold storytelling but also to the powerful word-of-mouth driven by audiences and critics alike.

Nicole Kidman delivers one of her most daring performances to date as Romy, embodying a character who is both commanding and profoundly human. Harris Dickinson matches her intensity with a portrayal that is equal parts seductive and vulnerable. Antonio Banderas and Sophie Wilde bring additional layers to the story, enriching the film’s intricate exploration of desire and power. Halina Reijn’s direction is unapologetically bold, channeling the spirit of iconic directors like Paul Verhoeven and Adrian Lyne while crafting her own distinct voice. Her commitment to authenticity is evident in every frame, from the carefully choreographed intimate scenes overseen by intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot to the meticulous attention to visual and narrative detail.

Beyond its surface-level thrills, Babygirl invites viewers to engage with deeper questions about human relationships and the societal pressures that shape our desires. Romy’s journey is a compelling study of a woman grappling with unfulfilled needs and the consequences of pursuing forbidden passions. Reijn masterfully navigates the fine line between desire and self-destruction, crafting a story that resonates long after the credits roll. As Babygirl continues its theatrical run, it stands as a testament to Halina Reijn’s vision and the fearless performances of its cast. In revitalizing the erotic thriller genre, the film not only entertains but also provokes thought and conversation, making it a standout cinematic experience of the year.

For those fortunate enough to attend the Allociné club premiere, the evening was more than just a film screening; it was an invitation to reflect on the complexities of desire, identity, and societal norms. With its daring narrative and captivating performances, Babygirl is poised to leave a lasting mark on the genre and on its audience.

You can discover our photosof this event  in our Flickr page

Synopsis : 
Romy, CEO of a major corporation, has everything to be happy: a loving husband, two blossoming daughters and a successful career. But one day, she meets a young intern at the company she manages in New York. She begins a torrid affair with him, risking everything to fulfill her deepest fantasies...

Babygirl
Written and directed by Halina Reijn
Produced by David Hinojosa, Halina Reijn, Julia Oh
Starring  Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, Antonio Banderas
Cinematography : Jasper Wolf
Edited by Matthew Hannam
Music by Cristobal Tapia de Veer
Production companies : 2AM, Man Up Films
Distributed by A24 (United States), SND (France)
Release dates : August 30, 2024 (Venice), December 25, 2024 (United States), 
Running time : 115 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville