IMDb
PUBLISHED
December 28, 2024
Nicole Kidman’s latest film, Babygirl, directed by Dutch actor Halina Reijn, might not be the first one to be labeled a feel-good movie in 2024, but it certainly left me feeling just that. The film presents a complex story of Rory (Kidman), a powerful, married CEO and mother in her mid-fifties, who embarks on a secret, self-discovery journey that challenges societal expectations.
In the midst of her high-powered life, Rory gets involved with Samuel (Harris Dickenson), a young intern, and their relationship quickly develops into something far beyond the professional realm. The dynamics between them reflect a nuanced exploration of desire, power, and vulnerability.
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Rory’s journey isn’t without consequence, and despite her transgressions, she must grapple with the potential of losing everything she holds dear. Yet, Babygirl takes an unexpected turn, as Rory’s fate diverges from what might be expected for a woman taking such risks. The film ends on an intimate note, not tragic or punishing as often seen in similar stories, but with a satisfied smile—one that’s hers, marking a rare moment of joyful resolution.
This conclusion offers a stark contrast to other recent female-centric films where protagonists face extreme punishment or collapse under societal pressures. Think of The Substance, where the lead is gruesomely killed, or Tár, where the once-powerful conductor is reduced to leading a ragtag orchestra. Babygirl, however, allows Rory to maintain her power and agency.
As the film unfolds, Samuel, initially alluring, reveals himself to be more dangerous than one might expect. While he carries an intriguing air of mystery, marked by his gold necklace and tattoo of a black-hooded angel with a rifle, it’s clear that Rory is drawn to the darker side of their connection.
Despite some of the more provocative scenes that blur the lines between dominance and submission, the film’s lens remains focused on Rory’s emotional and psychological journey. Kidman’s performance, particularly her ability to convey volcanic emotions through a series of intense close-ups, is nothing short of captivating. If you’ve ever wondered if an actress can convincingly portray a transformative experience while a camera zooms in on her face, Kidman is the living proof.
In a brief but noteworthy moment, Rory undergoes a cosmetic procedure, reminding us that even someone as powerful as her can be vulnerable to the pressures of aging and beauty standards. However, Kidman’s portrayal is fearless.
Despite her character’s appearance being scrutinized in such intimate close-ups, she doesn’t shy away from displaying the natural effects of age. There’s something incredibly powerful about her unapologetically authentic presence on screen, embracing the imperfections that many women are taught to hide.
The portrayal of Rory’s sexual desires, especially at her age, is also refreshing. Rather than being bound by the societal narrative of post-menopausal decline or the loss of sexual vitality, Rory’s passions remain alive and well, even if she’s been too ashamed to share them with her husband (Antonio Banderas).
After failed attempts to convey her desires to him, her affair with Samuel offers a channel for her to explore her fantasies and, eventually, regain control over her life.
Babygirl could have easily followed the path of other cautionary tales where a woman in her position becomes a victim of her own choices. However, a key turning point arrives when a co-worker—another woman—intervenes, urging Rory to prioritize her professional role and not let her mistake define her.
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This recognition from another woman sets Rory on a path toward empowerment, as she reclaims her authority, both in the boardroom and in her personal life.
By the end of the film, Rory’s relationship with her husband has been rebuilt, now enriched by her willingness to share her desires with him. In a touching final scene, her husband holds the key to her satisfaction, a fitting and empowering conclusion to her journey.
The film ends on a genuinely uplifting note, proving that even amidst complicated and risky choices, women can emerge victorious, with their power intact.
