Babygirl is a 2024 American erotic thriller film written, directed, and co-produced by Halina Reijn. It stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.
The film debuted on August 30, 2024, at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where Kidman won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress.[4] Its North American premiere followed at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024, with a U.S. theatrical release by A24 scheduled for December 25, 2024.
Premise[]
This cinematic work explores the complexities of power dynamics and sexuality within a professional setting as a high-ranking CEO (Nicole Kidman) embarks on a forbidden romance with a captivating intern (Harris Dickinson), who is significantly younger.[5][6]
Cast[]
- Nicole Kidman as Romy[7]
- Harris Dickinson as Samuel
- Antonio Banderas as Jacob
- Sophie Wilde as Esme
- Gaite Jansen as Hedda, Scarlett
- Esther McGregor as Isabel
- Vaughan Reilly as Nora[8]
- Victor Slezak as Mr. Missel[8]
- Anoop Desai as Robert[8]
- Bartley Booz as Tom
- Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Josh[8]
- Leslie Silva as Hazel
- Dolly Wells as Therapist
Production[]
Development[]
It was announced in November 2023 that David Hinojosa of 2AM was going to produce the project alongside Halina Reijn of Man Up Films, with A24 financing the project. Julia Oh, Zach Nutman, and Christine D'Souza Gelb of 2AM served as executive producers.[9] It was later revealed that Julie Oh would take on the producer role, contrary to earlier reports that she would serve as an executive producer.[10] In addition to her role as producer, Halina Reijn directed the film from a screenplay she wrote.[11][12] The project marked Reijn's second English-language feature film, both produced by A24.[13][14]
The film's workplace dynamics were influenced by cinematic elements from Indecent Proposal and Basic Instinct.[15][16] The affair in the film was set in an American workplace because the stricter hierarchy and rules in the U.S. compared to Europe was felt by the filmmaker to make such a relationship feel even more forbidden and taboo.[17]
Reijn added that her interest in exploring women's relationships with their bodies was a key motivator for making this movie.[18][19] She also credited her passion for the erotic thrillers of the 1980s and 1990s, particularly those by directors Paul Verhoeven and Adrian Lyne, as the inspirational driving force behind her decision to make this film.[20][21]
Casting[]
In November 2023, Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, and Jean Reno were announced as part of the cast.[22][23] Other cast members included John Cenatiempo, Vaughan Reilly, Victor Slezak, Anoop Desai, and Maxwell Whittington-Cooper.[8] Esther McGregor was reported to star.[24]
Filming[]
Principal photography began in December 2023 in New York City,[25][26] and wrapped in February 2024.[27]
Release[]
Babygirl premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2024.[28][29][30] Following this, it was also premiered at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024.[31][3] The film was initially set for a release in the United States and Canada on December 20, 2024,[32] but the date was later shifted to December 25, 2024, for its theatrical debut.[33][34]
Reception[]
Critical response[]
Rotten Tomatoes reports a 94% approval rating from 36 critics, with an average rating of 7.7/10. The Critic's Consensus reads, "Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson memorably smolder together in Babygirl, with writer-director Halina Reijn's clinical gaze keeping this sexually frank thriller more provocative than prurient."[35][36]
Damon Wise of Deadline praised the performance of Kidman as "[she] really goes the distance, imbuing Romy with a psychological vulnerability that is missing from the film it most obvious sounds like (Fifty Shades of Grey) and presenting a unique reversal of the film it most obviously looks like (Secretary)." He also mentioned Dickinson's performance as "an inspired piece of casting, manifesting like a monster from the id with his dorky, knife-and-fork haircut and clothes that he appears to have put on with a shovel."[37] Nicholas Barber of BBC lauded Reijn's gritty, indie-style direction in Babygirl, highlighting how she avoids the usual Hollywood neo-noir gloss, choosing instead to expose the raw, unpolished truth behind moments like the intern's arrival at the family's retreat or the co-worker's discovery of the affair. Barber also praised Kidman for delivering a bold and captivating performance, describing it as one of her most daring and impactful in years.[38]
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called out the film as "sexy, dark and unpredictable" and praised the cast performance. He mentioned Dickinson was "a magnetic screen presence", Kidman was "in spectacular form, swinging from outrage to fear to ravenously lustful consent", Wilde brought "sly notes of humor".[39] Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair praised the overall film as "Reijn creates the sense that we are watching test subjects through a two-way mirror. This doesn’t necessarily make the proceedings any less interesting. But one does maybe crave a bit more heat from a movie that is so willing to tackle intimate matters."[40]
In a more critical review, Xan Brooks of The Guardian stated, "for all its excited carnality and seesawing power struggles, the film’s thrills feel machine-tooled and vacuum-packed. Babygirl rolls off the track looking almost as neat and anonymous as a box from Tensile’s upstate delivery warehouse." However, he commended Kidman's "bright, bold performance" as it "carries a top-note of distress, as though she is not entirely convinced by everything she’s signed up for."[41] On the contrary, Owen Gleiberman of Variety praised the overall film as "a shrewdly honest and entertaining movie about a flagrantly “wrong” sadomasochistic affair" and he termed Kidman's performance "fearless".[42]
Robbie Collin of The Telegraph praised the film, noting that it "is sharp enough – and hot enough." He highlighted Nicole Kidman's performance as "ferociously good, convincing utterly as this formerly level-headed careerist whose deeply buried, long-denied appetites are simultaneously proving her making and downfall."[43] Alison Willmore of Vulture described the film as "a self-love story," emphasizing that part of its message is about the importance of allowing oneself to be vulnerable and to "let yourself be small for a while."[44] Glenn Kenny of RogerEbert.com praised Kidman's performance but the film itself did not convince him "Kidman has garnered kudos for an uninhibited and daring performance, but when has she ever shied away from uninhibited and daring performances? I love to see them always, but I love to see them even more in good movies."[45] Kevin Maher of The Times mentioned that "...like the best BDSM experiences (they say), is slightly contrived but very satisfying."[46]
Radhika Seth of Vogue acknowledged that the film isn't for everyone, dividing critics and even premiere attendees. However, she praised Antonio Banderas, Nicole Kidman, Halina Reijn, and Cristobal Tapia de Veer for their standout contributions to the film.[47] Ben Croll of TheWrap said that despite hints at deeper themes and narratives, the film stands out for its surprising absence of cynicism.[48] Martin Tsai of IndieWire noted that while the film does elicit some laughs, whether intentional or not, it ultimately feels more demeaning for Nicole Kidman than Dogville. He pointed out that Catherine Breillat had already addressed similar themes more skillfully in Last Summer, and criticized Reijn for lacking the nuance needed to elevate the film into something more meaningful.[49]
Trailers[]
External links[]
References[]
- ↑ Babygirl. Writers Guild of America West (July 15, 2024).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Nicole Kidman Seduces Harris Dickinson in A24’s Erotic Thriller ‘Babygirl’ — First Look (July 23, 2024).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lee, Anita (August 13, 2024). Babygirl.
- ↑ "Venice Winners: Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘The Room Next Door’ Wins The Golden Lion; Also Wins For Nicole Kidman, Brady Corbet, ‘I’m Still Here’ & More", September 7, 2024.
- ↑ Rubin, Rebecca. "Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas Join A24's Erotic Thriller 'Babygirl'", November 21, 2023.
- ↑ Fuster, Jeremy. "Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas to Star in A24 Erotic Thriller 'Babygirl'", November 21, 2023.
- ↑ Babygirl (August 26, 2024).
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Melissa, Billie. "Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson Spotted on Set of New A24 Erotic Thriller", February 9, 2024.
- ↑ Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson Set for A24 Erotic Thriller from 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' Director Halina Reijn (November 21, 2023).
- ↑ Nicole Kidman Steamy Pic ‘Babygirl’ Wows Venice Film Festival Crowd at World Premiere (August 30, 2024).
- ↑ 'Babygirl': Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas & More To Star In 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' Director's A24 Erotic Thriller (November 21, 2023).
- ↑ Melissa, Billie. "Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas and Harris Dickinson to Star in Halina Reijn's New Film", November 22, 2023.
- ↑ Nicole Kidman to Star in Intern-Boinking Movie (November 21, 2023).
- ↑ Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas join 'Babygirl' erotic thriller at A24 (November 21, 2023).
- ↑ Bergeson, Samantha (August 26, 2024). Nicole Kidman Says ‘Babygirl’ Production Left Her ‘Ragged’: ‘I Felt Very Exposed’.
- ↑ Canfield, David (August 26, 2024). Inside Nicole Kidman's Erotic Drama Babygirl: "What Have I Just Done?".
- ↑ Roxborough, Scott (August 30, 2024). Halina Reijn on Bridging Hollywood’s “Orgasm Gap” With Nicole Kidman Thriller ‘Babygirl’.
- ↑ Tartaglione, Nancy (August 30, 2024). Nicole Kidman Says Making Halina Reijn’s Erotic Thriller ‘Babygirl’ Was “Very Freeing” – Venice Film Festival.
- ↑ Latanzio, Ryan (August 30, 2024). Explicit ‘Babygirl’ Is About the ‘Huge Orgasm Gap’ Between Men and Women, Says Director Halina Reijn.
- ↑ Bahr, Lindsey (August 30, 2024). Explicit ‘Babygirl’ Is About the ‘Huge Orgasm Gap’ Between Men and Women, Says Director Halina Reijn.
- ↑ Khomamy, Nadia (August 30, 2024). Nicole Kidman’s erotic drama Babygirl sets pulses racing at Venice film festival.
- ↑ A24 Confirms Cast For Halina Reijn's Erotic Thriller 'Babygirl': Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde And Jean Reno Aboard (November 21, 2023).
- ↑ Kit, Borys (November 21, 2023). Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, Harris Dickinson to Star in A24 Erotic Thriller 'Babygirl'.
- ↑ Nicole Kidman Says Erotic Thriller ‘Babygirl’ Was ‘Very Freeing’ to Make: ‘I Didn’t Feel Exploited’ (August 30, 2024).
- ↑ Sullivan, Reilly (December 13, 2023). Nicole Kidman spotted filming steamy erotic thriller Babygirl with much younger co-star Harris Dickinson in New York.
- ↑ Ricci, Kimberly (August 16, 2024). ‘Babygirl’: Everything To Know About A24’s Erotic Thriller Starring Nicole Kidman And Harris Dickinson.
- ↑ Hobbs, Jack (February 29, 2024). Nicole Kidman takes bloody tumble on ‘Babygirl’ set in new photos.
- ↑ Tartaglione, Nancy (July 23, 2024). Venice Film Festival Lineup: 'Joker: Folie A Deux', Almodovar, Guadagnino, Kurzel, Larrain & More In Competition – Full List.
- ↑ Lattanzio, Ryan (July 23, 2024). Venice: 'Maria', 'Queer', and 'Joker: Folie à Deux' Will Premiere in Competition (Full Lineup).
- ↑ Babygirl Venezia 81 Competition.
- ↑ Bergeson, Samantha (August 13, 2024). TIFF 2024 Announces Additional Films: Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' Set for Gala.
- ↑ D’Alessandro, Anthony (May 30, 2024). A24 Dates Fall & Holiday Slate With 'The Front Room', 'A Different Man', 'We Live In Time', 'Heretic' & 'Baby Girl'.
- ↑ Frank, Jason (August 27, 2024). Nicole Kidman Isn’t Brave Enough to Watch Babygirl.
- ↑ McArdle, Tommy (August 26, 2024). Nicole Kidman Felt 'Exposed' Making Erotic Thriller Babygirl: 'This Is Something You Do and Hide in Your Home Videos'.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Wd". Babygirl (in en). Fandango Media.
- ↑ Template:Cite Rotten Tomatoes
- ↑ Wise, Damon (August 30, 2024). ‘Babygirl’ Review: Nicole Kidman Is A Woman On The Verge In Halina Reijn’s Sexually Charged S&M Story – Venice Film Festival.
- ↑ Barber, Nicholas (August 30, 2024). Babygirl review: In erotic drama Nicole Kidman gives her 'bravest and best performance in quite some time'.
- ↑ Rooney, David (August 30, 2024). ‘Babygirl’ Review: Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson Embrace Every Dangerous Turn in a Dark Thriller About Unruly Desire.
- ↑ Lawson, Richard (August 30, 2024). Nicole Kidman Lets Her Freak Flag Fly in Babygirl.
- ↑ Brooks, Xan (August 30, 2024). Babygirl review – Nicole Kidman overwhelmed by lust as CEO having torrid and toxic affair.
- ↑ ‘Babygirl’ Review: Nicole Kidman Is Fearless in an Erotic Office Drama About the Age of Control (August 30, 2024).
- ↑ Collin, Robbie (August 30, 2024). Babygirl: Nicole Kidman’s 21st-century Fatal Attraction is a complete knockout.
- ↑ Willmore, Alison (August 30, 2024). Babygirl Might Just Be The Year’s Hottest Movie.
- ↑ Kenny, Glenn (September 1, 2024). Venice Film Festival 2024: Babygirl, The Order, The Brutalist, I’m Still Here.
- ↑ Maher, Kevin (August 30, 2024). Babygirl review — Nicole Kidman stuns as a botoxed CEO in a steamy thriller.
- ↑ Seth, Radhika (September 3, 2024). Nicole Kidman’s Sexy, Prickly Babygirl Is Utterly Thrilling.
- ↑ Croll, Ben (August 30, 2024). ‘Babygirl’ Review: Nicole Kidman Goes Dom-Com for Safe, Commercial Kink.
- ↑ Tsai, Martin (August 30, 2024). 'Babygirl' Review: Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson Drama Is No 'May December' Venice 2024.