Nicole Kidman has starred in several underrated films over the past few years, butBabygirlmay be the most underrated of them all. This subversive erotic thriller marks one of Kidman’s most daring and transgressive performances in a long time, as she plays a powerful CEO who strikes up a romance with her younger colleague. However,Babygirlisn’t the movie that many expected- it’s a much more purposeful, mature rumination on love and power in modern society.
Many audiences will have heard ofBabygirlthanks to the awards buzz surrounding Nicole Kidman’s lead performance - and while the actress wasn’t ultimately nominated, the hype wasn’t unsubstantiated.Kidman delivers one of her best performances inBabygirl, and the fact that she wasn’t recognized by the Academy is a real shame.
Babygirl Is Now Streaming On Max: What It’s About
The Film Is Much More Than Its Romantic Narrative
Halina Reijn’sBabygirlis an extremely subversive and unpredictable thriller that follows the workplace relationship between Nicole Kidman’s protagonist Romy and her younger employee, Samuel, played by Harris Dickinson. The film offersa very intricate dissection of power, lust, and female autonomythat’s told from the perspective of a powerful CEO who’s dissatisfied with almost everything in her life.
Babygirlreceived unanimous praise from critics, with many reviews praising Nicole Kidman’s lead performance andHalina Reijn’s profound exploration of what it means to be a woman in powerand how the pressure of social image can often try to hold women back from their true desires. What may seem like a typical romantic, erotic thriller on the surface quickly reveals itself to be much more reflective and introspective.
Nicole Kidman Gives One Of Her Best Performances Ever In Babygirl
The Actress Balances The Perfect Levels Of Control And Vulnerability
While Harris Dickson’s performance is also deserving of praise inBabygirl, there’s no denying that Nicole Kidman steals the show. She delivers such a vulnerable, layered performance that allows the audience to get deep inside her mind and understand her character’s complex motivations, which consequently makes the film’s message much clearer. Without such a powerful lead performance,Babygirlcould easily have read as a cynical and pessimistic attack on modern romance - but Kidman proves it’s something more.
AlthoughKidman didn’t receive an Oscar nomination forBabygirl,that shouldn’t deter audiences from jumping into this transgressive thriller now that it’s found a home on streaming. It’s some of the actress’s best work, reminiscent of her rich and vulnerable work in projects likeEyes Wide ShutandThe Beguiled.
Babygirl
Cast
Babygirl revolves around a high-powered CEO who risks her career and family by engaging in a passionate affair with her much younger intern. Released in 2024, this narrative explores themes of ambition, power dynamics, and personal sacrifice.
