The media has played a major part in how men perceive women. Through commercials, television series and films, women have been objectified and hypersexualized to sell an ideal form of beauty only desired by men. Thankfully, power dynamics in the workplace have shifted over the years, but there is still a power struggle for dominance.
A film like Babygirl, written and directed by Halina Reijn, explores the double standard in the workplace and the shifting gender dynamics between a high-powered CEO, Romy (Nicole), and a much younger intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson). We have seen films with a man in this position of power seducing young women. It’s labelled as a “mid-life” crisis or just the nature of the business. It’s almost accepted that men in high-powered positions will act like this just because they feel like it.
In this case, Reijn adds complexity to Romy’s character so we can have a deeper understanding of what she’s struggling with sexually. Women don’t have the avenues to explore their sexual desires or even discuss what they want with partners after marriage. Sadly, the discussion of female pleasure is often swept under the rug. Yet, men’s sexual fantasies are glorified and out in the open. Society has catered to men in every sense, including how to talk about their sexual urges openly. It’s often about what men want and need more than women crave.
Romy and her husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas) have been married for twenty years. They have a wonderful life and love each other. However, the sexual aspect of their relationship hasn’t been what Romy has wanted. Since she is a high-powered CEO, the power dynamics in her office are quite different. She is always in charge and has to remain authoritative. She holds the power in the office. When a woman is considered an Alpha, she may not want that control in a relationship. She may want her significant other to overpower her sexually and have that power dynamic flipped.
Within the first moments of Babygirl, we see Reijn switch the perspective of female pleasure with the camera frame on Kidman’s face overhead as she is straddling Banderas. It takes longer for her to reach her climax, and she is ultimately unsatisfied. She waits until he falls asleep and watches adult videos for her pleasure. We see how she’s craving to be treated, and it’s something she’s missing with her husband. Romy wants the assertiveness and demanding nature of doing what is asked of her and being submissive.
When Samuel starts his internship at Romy’s company, their first conversation is very telling of the type of person he is. The age gap isn’t the concern; it’s what Samuel has to offer Romy. Romy is taken aback by his control when speaking to his dog: the stern voice, the intensity in his eyes, and the hard stare. Even though this is towards his dog, Romy’s thoughts spiral, and she’s intrigued by his presence. They begin this torrid love affair as Reijn’s dialogue is delivered so sensually by Kidman and Dickinson. Their chemistry is palpable, and their vulnerability with each other -considering what they do - is what grounds sexual fantasy.
Even though the power balance is tested between them, Reijn enforces being consensual with these actions. While Romy navigates this untapped desire, she is also revolted by what she’s doing. She doesn’t understand why she wants to be treated this way sexually and is conflicted by her relationship with her loving husband. This erotic thriller by Reijn pulls a fearless performance from Kidman, who is at her most exposed. She wants to explore the complexities of her character and give women the dialogue to express their desires.
Babygirl is a deeply sensual film exploring female desire and shifting power dynamics in relationships. Men and women feel things differently and may not know how to express what they want to their significant other. This film helps build a healthy dialogue about sexual urges in marriages. Apart from the sexual moments of the film - which are quite steamy and effective- Reijn shows that women who have been in control for the majority of their lives may want a partner who will take care of them and not have them think about what’s to come. Women don’t want to be in control all the time, especially if they trust their partner enough to have them assert that dominance over them.
4.5/5
Review by: Amanda Guarragi
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