Babygirl is going to give you exactly what you want this Christmas, at least that’s what the tagline says. The film has been one of the most talked about films this fall season. Nicole Kidman stars in the erotic think piece from director Halina Reijn which premiered at Venice Film Festival. It has recently gone on an award streak with Kidman nabbing up a majority. I had the chance to sit with this one and the experience was truly unique.

We see throughout the film Nicole Kidman and co star Harris Dickinson play this intense game with one another. It’s filled with so many questions of power dynamics in our society and the work place. On an initial watch you might feel the scales tip one way with the power but as you ponder on it you realize it’s not all clear. I found myself really loving the way Halina has framed the film. Nicole Kidman plays the character of Romy a very successful entrepreneur who is seeking more from life. Babygirl showcases that in life having all the power can just become dull after some time. It also dives deeper into what humans truly desire past the societal norms in our every day life. The film really shines when the two characters seem to be truly free to express themselves. It also has a complicated relationship with wanting two things at the same time out of life. We want the freedom to explore our darkest desires but also long for the safe and stable option.

Nicole Kidman does an incredible job at portraying just how confusing and excruciating it all is. There’s several scenes she’s able to really go through the complex emotions of both guilt, shame, but also excitement. It’s an intricate performance Kidman is able to handle beautifully until the final frames of the film. The vulnerability the characters each showcase can really have you feeling for them. Antonio Banderas was great in a pivotal scene in the film that left me with my jaw on the floor. Banderas displays such a complex set of feelings and trying to reason with his circumstances that is just heart breaking. Harris Dickinson has some key scenes that he masterfully performs as the cool and calm Samuel. A scene that’s engulfed by George Michael’s ‘Father Figure’ and has to be one of the most exuberant scenes of the year. Dickinson floats through the scene and almost transcends with Kidman with passion. The chemistry was scolding between the two leads but there was always a tenderness beneath it all. It brings me back to the point earlier about wanting those dark desires but still needing that safety after it all. Humans are complicated and sometimes we don’t know what we want and even when do, how do we ask for it? In a society that’s still chained to conformity and tradition it isolates you and can be lonely.

Halina Reijn’s Babygirl I believe asks to be seen several times to truly grasp what it’s saying. It’s definitely worth checking out again for its dynamic lead actors’ performances. Babygirl is filled with beautiful cinematography and incredible framing from Reijn. There’s a club scene that is one of the most freeing and electrifying scenes I’ve seen. A scene that feels like our characters have finally pushed through that last barrier and freed themselves without a care of the outside world. All in all, I think Reijn has crafted a film that I think not only showcases how Kidman is one of our greatest actresses but also dares you to just be who you are.