Introduction: A Movie That Dares to Push Boundaries—But Misses the Mark
Babygirl (2024), directed and written by Halina Reijn, enters the cinematic stage with bold ambition. Marketed as an erotic psychological thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, the film tries to deconstruct power dynamics, female desire, and emotional isolation in the modern corporate world. On paper, it’s got everything: a seductive premise, an A-list cast, and a stylish directorial touch. But in execution, it’s a confusing mix of shallow storytelling and misplaced eroticism, leaving many viewers more puzzled than provoked.
Whether you’re drawn to it out of curiosity or you’re a Nicole Kidman completist, this review will walk you through the strengths, the pitfalls, and where you can stream Babygirl online.
Plot Overview: Power, Passion, and Poor Decisions
Babygirl follows Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman), a brilliant and beautiful CEO of a successful robotic automation company, seemingly living a dream life — a stable marriage to Antonio Banderas’ character, two picture-perfect daughters, and a multimillion-dollar business she built herself. But beneath the polished surface lies an aching emptiness.
That ache finds its outlet in Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a young, enigmatic intern whose presence upends Romy’s routine and triggers an erotic power struggle that blends desire, submission, and rebellion.
It sounds like the kind of story that could burn with sexual tension and emotional truth — but Babygirl quickly unravels into a disconnected series of events with clunky dialogue, implausible interactions, and very little genuine chemistry.
Performances: A Miscast Chemistry Experiment
Nicole Kidman as Romy
Nicole Kidman gives it her all — or at least tries. Her performance carries the weight of Romy’s dissatisfaction, but the script often undercuts her emotional complexity with awkward lines and nonsensical choices. Romy’s motivations feel forced, and Kidman struggles to make sense of a character written with contradictions rather than nuance.
Still, she’s magnetic to watch, even when the material fails her.
Harris Dickinson as Samuel
Dickinson’s Samuel is supposed to be intoxicating — the kind of raw, rebellious energy that disrupts a life like Romy’s. But his performance is wooden, and his dialogue lands with the weight of a corporate icebreaker. There’s no heat, no danger — just awkwardness.
Instead of compelling sexual tension, their interactions often feel like HR violations waiting to happen.
Antonio Banderas as Romy’s Husband
Banderas brings charm and warmth to a role that demands steadiness. Ironically, his character is so likable and grounded that it makes Romy’s affair feel even more unjustified. The film misses an opportunity to explore their marriage in a meaningful way.
Direction and Themes: A Swing That Misses
Halina Reijn aimed for provocative cinema. There’s no doubt about that. Babygirl attempts to explore feminism, desire, and trauma — but its execution is more student film than daring art house. The pacing is uneven, the tone wildly inconsistent, and the sexual scenes lack authenticity or rawness. It’s not taboo. It’s just awkward.
The movie wants to say something about modern womanhood — how power and vulnerability coexist, how societal roles cage women — but that message is lost in a fog of stilted storytelling.
That said, the film deserves credit for trying to tell a story from a female perspective without moralizing it. The idea of a woman exploring her sexuality outside the confines of marriage isn’t inherently flawed. But here, it’s delivered with such little believability that the intent is drowned in cringe.
What Works: The Score, the Theme, and the Visuals
There are some redeeming elements:
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The musical score is eerie, seductive, and oddly beautiful. It’s the one thing that genuinely feels erotic.
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The cinematography is sleek and stylized, capturing the coldness of the corporate world and the intimacy of private spaces.
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The central theme — that even high-achieving women carry unresolved emotional needs — is valid, even if the execution flounders.
Some viewers have noted a deeper emotional core hidden beneath the film’s glossy surface. Romy’s actions can be interpreted as trauma responses, her craving for connection and risk an expression of long-buried pain. Unfortunately, the script only grazes these ideas without truly exploring them.
Where to Watch Babygirl (2024) Online
If you’re still curious and want to see what the buzz is about — or decide for yourself whether the film succeeds or fails — here are your streaming options in the U.S.:
Streaming Subscription
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Max (formerly HBO Max) – Watch now on Max
Rent or Buy
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Amazon Prime Video – Rent/Buy on Amazon
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Apple TV
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Vudu
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Google Play Movies
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Microsoft Store
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Plex
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FlixFling
Prices vary per platform and region, usually ranging between $5.99–$14.99 for HD rental or purchase.
Final Verdict: Style Over Substance
Babygirl had potential — a talented cast, a provocative theme, a visually sleek aesthetic. But it ultimately crumbles under its own ambition. The chemistry is off, the dialogue is hollow, and the eroticism feels more like discomfort. It’s a story about emotional hunger told with the emotional range of a corporate training video.
It’s not an empowering tale of feminine exploration — it’s a confused, robotic film about a woman who whispers her way through a midlife crisis.
If you’re looking for something bold and subversive, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for uncomfortable curiosity, you might find value in it as an experiment. But don’t expect satisfaction — sexual or cinematic.
Babygirl might not live up to the hype, but it’s a fascinating case study in how hard it is to nail modern erotic thrillers. Its missteps are as interesting as its intentions.
Have you watched Babygirl? What did you think — daring or disaster? Let me know in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more film reviews with a personal touch, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
