At the controls of his 3e fiction with Nicole Kidman in the lead, the Dutch screenwriter and director Halina Reijn. Who is fully invested in his second project shot only in the United States. Thus, “Babygirl” keeps its erotic promises without embarrassment.
Close to fifty, Romy is an ambitious woman who constantly gives the feeling of having confidence in herself. Founder and Director of her large company based in New York, she lives with her loving husband and their 2 relatively happy teenage daughters. Romy loves her husband as much as her daughters, but has always favored his work. However, she keeps a secret garden that is quite dark and linked to unexpressed sexual desires, even with Jacob, her partner. Living in a routine manner, her daily life will change the day she meets one of their new intern, Samuel, within her company. Somehow she will have to train him. However, throughout their sessions, a perceptible tension will creep between them. Up to a torrid, daring, unspeakable relationship… with no possible return?
For several years, the cinematic roles of Australian actress Nicole Kidman (“The Northman”) have not remained the most remarkable, although quite (re) known to the general public.
However, through “Babygirl” the actress, always as insatiable and versatile when it comes to her projects, stands out considerably. The same goes for his colleague Harris Dickinson (“The Iron Claw”) compared to the rest of the cast.
Indeed, from the first minutes of “Babygirl”, it will be impossible for the public having seen the incredible “Eyes White Shut” by the late Stanley Kubrick (released in 1999 with Nicole Kidman), not to make correlations between these 2 productions. In addition, they also turn out to be very careful, meticulously prepared, filmed and performed.
However, and fortunately, the comparisons stop there. Indeed, and unlike Kubrick’s fiction, or the famous “Basic Instinct” by Paul Verhoeven (1992), the cameras follow the main character who is a woman, “Romy”. Played in this case by Nicole Kidman.
Sultry, erotic, daring and recognized as trying by the said actress and her colleague despite the coordination of intimacy, “Babygirl” remains very far from gentle productions such as the countless Christmas TV films or the cloying “Fifty Shades of Grey”.
Thanks to said screenwriter, director and producer of “Babygirl”, the point of view will remain largely female. Just like the themes, approached more from the looks and angles of the false “weaker sex”.
A completely normal, interesting and quite innovative principle in the context of this type of feature film. Because ambition, beauty, seduction, sexuality or power play are often perceived and function differently between men and women, as has been demonstrated.
Obviously, subplots enhance the plot of “Babygirl”. Hence, among others, the importance of the Spanish actor Antonio Banderas (“Indiana Jones and the Clock of Destiny”) or the actress Esther McGregor (“The Room Next Door”) and the daughter of Ewan McGregor ) creating different connections to the central narrative.
Musically, the original soundtrack by Chilean Cristobal Tapia de Veer (“Smile 2”) also effectively accompanies the fiction. Whether it’s key pieces from previous decades reused, or his own creation. Furthermore, its dynamics bring a useful and rather catchy additional dimension to the film.
Adored at 81e edition of the “Venice Mostra”, the acclamation will last a little more than 5 minutes, “Babygirl” is however not aimed at a large audience. More to the spectators who appreciate the key messages of such skillful production. While accepting that one’s own body temperature rises throughout the scenes…
Babygirl
USA – HOLL – 2024
Duration: 1h49 min
Drama, Erotic, Suspense
Producer: Halina Reijn
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, Esther McGregor, Robert Farrior, Leslie Silva
Praesens-Film
15.01.2025 at the cinema
