Movies - Babygirl : Nicole Kidman Shines in Halina Reijn’s Bold Erotic Thriller

By Mulder, 20 december 2024

The cinematic landscape of 2024 welcomed a new entry into the erotic thriller genre with Halina Reijn’s daring and provocative film, Babygirl. Written, directed, and produced by Reijn herself, the movie is a captivating exploration of desire, power, and forbidden temptation, anchored by Nicole Kidman’s electrifying performance as Romy, a high-powered CEO who risks it all for a torrid affair with a younger intern, played by the charismatic Harris Dickinson. What makes Babygirl stand out is not only its audacious storyline but also its meticulous craftsmanship and the rich tapestry of influences that Reijn has woven into its narrative. Drawing inspiration from the sultry thrillers of the 1980s and 1990s, Reijn offers a modern take on the genre, packed with tension and layered with social commentary.

The project’s genesis can be traced back to a personal story that deeply moved Reijn. She revealed that the script was inspired by a woman who had been in a 25-year marriage without ever experiencing an orgasm. This anecdote struck a chord with Reijn and became the catalyst for her exploration of women’s relationships with their bodies, intimacy, and societal expectations. It’s this deeply personal motivation that gives Babygirl its emotional core, turning what could have been a simple erotic thriller into a poignant study of personal liberation and forbidden passion. The film also owes much of its tension to its setting: the American corporate world. Reijn chose this milieu because of the stricter hierarchical rules and cultural taboos in the U.S. compared to Europe, which heightened the stakes of Romy’s affair.

Behind the scenes, Babygirl was a labor of love, with Reijn collaborating closely with producer David Hinojosa of 2AM and Julia Oh, who transitioned from executive producer to full producer during the film’s development. The production, financed by A24, was a feat of endurance, navigating the challenges posed by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Originally intended to be a summer release, the strikes pushed the film’s debut to Christmas, but this delay may have worked in its favor, positioning it as a bold counter-programming option during the holiday season.

Principal photography took place in the bustling streets of New York City from December 2023 to February 2024. The city’s cold winter landscape provided a fitting backdrop for the film’s tense and charged atmosphere. Cinematographer Jasper Wolf, known for his evocative visuals, captured the sleek, cold world of corporate power with a haunting beauty, while editor Matthew Hannam expertly paced the film to keep viewers on edge. Adding to the film’s allure is the atmospheric score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer, whose haunting melodies perfectly complement the film’s themes of desire and danger. The soundtrack also features Sky Ferreira’s original song, Leash, and an unforgettable moment underscored by INXS’s classic track Never Tear Us Apart—a piece that Kidman herself secured the rights to after production encountered difficulties.

The film’s festival run kicked off with a splash at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2024, where Kidman’s powerhouse performance earned her the coveted Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Critics were quick to praise her portrayal of Romy, lauding her ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure. From Venice, the film traveled to the Toronto International Film Festival, where it continued to generate buzz ahead of its wide theatrical release on December 25, 2024. Despite a crowded holiday release schedule, Babygirl held its own, earning $7.3 million over its five-day opening weekend. While its initial box office numbers placed it seventh among its competitors, the film’s word-of-mouth appeal led to a stronger-than-expected hold in subsequent weeks, ultimately grossing $21.5 million worldwide by early January 2025.

Part of what has captivated audiences and critics alike is the fearless performances delivered by the cast. Kidman’s Romy is a study in contrasts—a woman who appears to have it all yet finds herself yearning for something deeper and more primal. Harris Dickinson, as the seductive intern, holds his own opposite Kidman, exuding both charm and vulnerability. Antonio Banderas and Sophie Wilde round out the main cast, delivering memorable performances that add depth to the story. Meanwhile, supporting roles played by John Cenatiempo, Vaughan Reilly, Victor Slezak, and Jean Reno provide additional layers to the intricate web of office politics and personal desires.

Reijn’s directorial approach is unapologetically bold. She channels the spirit of Paul Verhoeven and Adrian Lyne, two directors whose work defined the erotic thriller genre. Yet, Reijn manages to carve out her own niche by blending classic elements with contemporary sensibilities. The result is a film that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Reijn’s commitment to authenticity extended to hiring intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot, ensuring that the film’s many intimate scenes were handled with care and respect for the actors involved.

Beyond its entertainment value, Babygirl invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships, the societal pressures placed on women, and the fine line between desire and self-destruction. In a world where personal and professional lives are often at odds, Romy’s story is a cautionary tale about the cost of unfulfilled desires and the lengths one might go to reclaim a sense of self.

As Babygirl continues its theatrical run, it’s clear that Halina Reijn has crafted something special—a film that challenges, provokes, and ultimately lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. With Nicole Kidman’s award-winning performance leading the charge, this erotic thriller has not only revitalized a beloved genre but also sparked conversations about power, passion, and the ever-elusive quest for personal fulfillment.

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 : Copyright A24