When it comes to Babygirl, writer/director Halina Reijn makes her second feature directorial debut, complete with excellent performances from the cast led by Nicole Kidman.
Synopsis: Babygirl follows Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman, A Family Affair), the CEO of a major tech company. One day, she meets Samuel (Harris Dickinson, The King’s Men), a younger intern. After taking him on as his mentor, the two begin to have an affair. One that threatens to ruin Romy’s marriage with her husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas, The Mask of Zorro) and her career.
Sense and Sexuality in Babygirl
Regarding Babygirl, writer/director Halina Reijn makes her second feature directorial debut. This is, of course, following her directorial debut with 2022’s Bodies Bodies Bodies. With the film, Reijn looks at power dynamics, mainly through a sexual lens. Reijn also explores how aging and background affect how one looks at themselves and their desirability. Reijn juxtaposes that with the idea of risk and whether it is worth it.
Which, in turn, creates an element of suspense. We see this element in the cinematography. Cinematographer Jasper Wolf (Monos) utilizes close-ups to emphasize desire and lust. Additionally, Wolf combines this element with a ton of blue and pink hues. This is most evident in outdoor scenes. In those, blue occupies the frame. However, once indoors, particularly in scenes where Romy and Samuel are intimate, the hues begin changing to pink. But with a touch of yellow added in for dramatic effects.
Score & Costume/Production Design
It’s further expanded with Stephen Carter’s production design. It gives off a cold, business look. Thus, it permeates the outdoor scenes, contrasting with the film’s primary setting. On top of that, it also applies to Kurt and Bart’s (The Crow) costume design. The two contrast the characters’ costumes with business and pleasure. Namely, when it comes to Romy (Kidman), her attire splits between her business suits and trench coats. But it also alternates between her wearing dresses and nightgowns. The costumes further display how wealthy Romy (Kidman) and her family are, especially compared to Samuel (Dickinson) and the other interns.
Likewise, the score from composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer gives a heightened electronic echo, only complete with a piano rhythm. It’s a collection of 80s pop and punk rock. Examples include Father Figure by George Michael, Never Tear Us Apart by Inxs, and Dancing on My Own by Robyn. Meanwhile, editor Matthew Hunnam whittles the running time down to an effective hour and fifty-four minutes. By doing this, Hunnam manages not to overstay the film’s welcome. Furthermore, it allows the audience to bask in the story and characters.tory and characters.
Performances in Babygirl
On the performances, the entire cast delivers excellent work. Starting with Nicole Kidman, Kidman balances sensuality with longing for escape. This makes her chemistry with Harris Dickinson’s Samuel and Antonio Banderas’ Jacob interesting as it is one of contradiction. Speaking of Dickinson, Dickinson plays Samuel with detachment for one minute. And in the next minute, he’s attracted to Kidman’s Romy. So, it adds to the chemistry between him and Kidman. However, it does come at the risk of being stale, especially while on his own.
With Banderas, it’s the latter, being present and there with Kidman’s Romy. Therefore, that distinction makes Banderas’ performance even more compelling. Finally, rounding out the cast is Sophia Wilde as Esme. Wilde has solid chemistry with Kidman, presenting her as a prodigy to Kidman’s Romy. The relationship between the two is the opposite of Romy and Samuel’s, and Wilde does a great job presenting the character’s wants and desires.
Final Thoughts
With Babygirl, writer/director Halina Reijn makes her sophomore feature debut, a dazzling look at power dynamics. Albeit, it does so through a sexual lens and one that balances sensuality with suspense. The cinematography, production, and costume design further explore these. Additionally, Nicole Kidman leads a stellar cast with standout performances from Banderas and Dickinson. Babygirl is a dazzling look of power dynamics, complete with great performances from Kidman, Banderas, and Dickinson.
