The film industry continues to witness the emergence of diverse voices and creative storytelling, and Halina Reijn's Babygirl is making waves this holiday season. Released on Christmas Day, the film features renowned actress Nicole Kidman and rising star Harris Dickinson, positioning itself as one of the most talked-about releases of 2023.
Babygirl takes viewers deep within the world of the modern workplace, delving unapologetically and audaciously to examine the dynamics of sexual relationships. Those who have seen it describe it as both awkward and exhilarating, tagging it as must-see cinema. Dickinson, who plays the intern Samuel, initiates a fraught affair with Kidman's character, the buttoned-up CEO. The film emphasizes the uncomfortable yet intriguing facets of sexual relationships and power plays.
According to Dickinson, who admitted to being nervous when meeting Kidman, the initial ice-breaking came courtesy of actress Margaret Qualley, who introduced them at an event. Dickinson reflects, "She helped me break the ice a bit." This humorous admission sets the stage for what would be an intense, immersive experience on set.
The production of Babygirl encouraged the cast and crew to maintain focus on the characters rather than their personal lives. Dickinson commented, "There was an unspoken thing we adhered to. We weren't getting to know each other's personal lives. When we were working and we were the characters, we didn't veer away from the material.” This commitment to authenticity helps capture the film's focus on complex emotional dynamics and the sometimes uncomfortable truths of intimacy.
Writer and director Halina Reijn mentioned the importance of depicting the raw and often messy nuances of sexual relationships. She stated, "It's a cautionary tale about what happens when you suppress your own desires." The film's tone reflects this vision, creating touching and engageable moments tied to the struggles each character faces.
Throughout Babygirl, Dickinson showcases his remarkable range as an actor—fluctuating between youthful naivety and the gravitas of adulthood. His ability to embody Samuel reflects the complexity of modern masculinity and relationships. "He was confusing in a really interesting way. There wasn't loads of specificity to it, which I enjoyed," Dickinson explained. This ambiguity adds layers to the performance, encouraging viewers to grapple with their interpretations of sexual politics.
Reijn carefully crafted the film’s tone and comedic edge, aiming for authenticity and spontaneity. Dickinson was praised for making each scene appear improvised, embodying youthful unpredictability. "That sort of fumbly version and the performative version of it is way more interesting to me than the kind of fantasised, romanticized, sexy thing we've seen a lot," he said, hinting at the film's effort to remain grounded even amid emotional turmoil.
Since premiering at the Venice Film Festival, Babygirl has sparked conversations across different generations. Its themes resonate strongly with audiences who grapple with the realities of relationships today. Dickinson acknowledged the conversations the film stimulates, saying, "This really wanted to show the ugliness and the awkwardness of these things.” Coincidentally, this mirrors his theatrical explorations, where he first honed his craft and grew to appreciate the collaborative process of filmmaking.
Babygirl not only enriches the cinematic spectrum but also sees Dickinson stepping behind the camera once more. He wrapped filming on his directorial debut Dream Space, which centers on his observations of homelessness and personal cycles of behavior. His background enriches his screen portrayals, with Dickinson asserting, "Acting is just being able to relax. When you're relaxed, you can do stuff that's truthful." His perspective reflects the importance of creating safe environments on set, which, according to him, stems from good directing and performance partners.
By fusing personal experience and performance, Harris Dickinson crafts memorable portrayals and navigates the unpredictable waters of the film industry. Babygirl, with its unfiltered examination of relationships, promises to remain relevant and impactful for years to come, stirring discussions around identity, power, and connection. It sets the stage for Dickinson and Kidman's performances to be remembered as transformative and insightful within the canon of contemporary cinema.