Nicole Kidman's latest film, Babygirl, has stirred conversations about age differences and female sexuality within its provocative narrative. Released on December 25, 2023, this erotic thriller directed by Halina Reijn features Kidman as Romy, the married CEO of a tech company who embarks on an affair with her intern, Samuel, played by Harris Dickinson.
The film taps directly onto the trending theme of May-December romances, much like other recent films such as Gabrielle Union’s The Perfect Find and Laura Dern’s Lonely Planet. Reijn comments on this growing trend, stating, “If we see a movie where the male actor is the same age as the female actor, we find it odd. Which is insane.” She calls for normalization of varying age dynamics, asserting, “We’re not trapped in a box anymore,” emphasizing the need to free oneself from internalized patriarchy.
Exploring these contemporary themes is not just central to Babygirl but also deeply personal for Reijn. Her directorial vision sought to create sexually empowering representations of women, moving past the sexual narratives defined by male viewpoints. “Sexuality is stop-and-go. It’s never like the glamour scenes from Hollywood movies of the ’90s,” said Reijn, citing how American culture has long maintained suppressed views on intimacy.
Kidman echoed these sentiments when she spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on the often superficial treatment of women’s sexuality as they age. “A lot of times women are discarded at a certain period of their career as sexual beings. It was really beautiful to be seen in this way,” she noted, adding how the role allowed her to explore aspects of her character's complexity. “My character has reached a stage where she’s got all this power, but she’s not sure who she is, what she wants,” expressed Kidman. This depth resonates with audiences, illustrating the conflict between public success and personal uncertainty.
Reijn's approach was heavily influenced by the erotic thrillers of the 1990s, such as Basic Instinct and 9½ Weeks, aiming for authenticity rather than fantasy. “I found so much fun in the fact America has a kind of suppressed relationship toward sex,” she stated. This observation not only defines her film but serves as both a personal and cultural exploration of sexual themes.
The inclusion of notable co-stars like Antonio Banderas adds to the film’s dynamic narrative, enhancing the exploration of power and intimacy. Banderas' role complements the complex relationship between Romy and Samuel, allowing audiences to witness the intricacies of modern relationships where power dynamics shift dramatically based on age.
Kidman, at 57, alongside 28-year-old Dickinson, challenges the traditional narratives surrounding mature women and desire, paving the way for more diverse stories. The casting choices and plot developments work together to showcase how love and attraction can transcend age, creating space for authentic connections.
Through Babygirl, audiences witness not just the story of one woman's complex relationship but also the underlying discourse about age, power, and sexuality. Director Halina Reijn, alongside Nicole Kidman, has crafted a film meant to provoke thought and conversation about topics often considered taboo.
Despite its potential for controversy, Babygirl is currently making waves as it can serve as both entertainment and enlightenment, making it clear—cinema has the capacity to reflect change, challenge norms, and empower previously silenced narratives. This film sets the stage for greater representation, perhaps inspiring future filmmakers to explore the nuanced narratives of women's sexuality.
With its provocative themes and engaging performances, Babygirl is not just another erotic thriller; it is a call for broader acceptance of women’s desires and relationships outside societal norms. The film's confident existence suggests not only the audience evolution but also the industry’s willingness to embrace new narratives.
