Nicole Kidman shines in Babygirl, an A24 feature that’s capturing attention for its provocative exploration of desire, power, and family dynamics. Directed by Halina Reijn and co-starring Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas, the film is a Christmas-season must-watch. But it’s the film’s ending that has viewers buzzing with questions. Let’s dive into what happens.
What Is Babygirl About?
The film follows Romy Mathis (Kidman), a tech CEO grappling with dissatisfaction in both her marriage to Jacob (Banderas) and her career. Despite embodying the archetype of the “girl boss,” Romy’s inner turmoil leads her to a risky affair with Samuel (Dickinson), a young intern at her company. The film’s narrative weaves together themes of ambition, fidelity, and self-discovery against a wintry, Christmas backdrop.
Romy’s Affair with Samuel
Samuel enters Romy’s life as part of her company’s mentor-mentee program, though their initial connection is shrouded in ambiguity. Samuel claims he reached out to her, a detail Romy disputes, leaving viewers to question the nature of their first interaction. Their relationship quickly escalates into a full-blown affair, marked by an unsettling power dynamic. Despite Romy’s awareness of their professional imbalance, Samuel manipulates the situation, suggesting he could expose her indiscretion, effectively reversing their roles of dominance.
This fraught relationship reaches unsettling extremes, including moments of role-play that underscore the complexity of their connection. The affair continues despite several heated confrontations, including an incident where Samuel visits Romy’s home under dubious pretenses.
Parallels Between Romy and Her Daughter Isabel
Romy’s personal struggles mirror those of her daughter Isabel (Esther McGregor), who is also navigating infidelity in her own relationship. Isabel’s secret betrayal of her girlfriend with a younger partner creates a tense dynamic between mother and daughter. However, as Romy confronts her own past and present choices, their relationship softens. Romy’s admission of her lifelong sexual fantasies and unfulfilled desires offers poignant insight into her character, framing her actions in a deeply human light.
Esme’s Confrontation and Jacob’s Reaction
The stakes rise when Esme (Wilde), Romy’s assistant, discovers the affair and confronts her during a family birthday party. Esme’s threat to expose Romy adds another layer of tension. Instead of succumbing to blackmail, Romy chooses to confess to Jacob, revealing not only the affair but also her long-standing dissatisfaction in their marriage. Jacob’s reaction is visceral; he demands she leave their home.
Later, in a dramatic turn, Jacob catches Romy and Samuel at the family’s country house. A physical altercation between the two men ends unexpectedly, with Jacob helping Samuel through a panic attack. This moment of vulnerability hints at Jacob’s complexity and the possibility of reconciliation.
The Ending: A Path to Redemption
Romy and Jacob ultimately decide to work on their marriage, addressing the cracks in their relationship head-on. In a pivotal scene, Jacob recreates a moment from Romy’s affair, leading to her experiencing an orgasm with him for the first time. This intimate breakthrough symbolizes their renewed commitment to each other.
Meanwhile, Samuel relocates to Japan, effectively ending the affair. His departure leaves a lingering tension at Romy’s workplace, where another employee’s insinuation about her involvement in Samuel’s exit prompts her to assert her independence and dismiss him from her office. This moment underscores Romy’s growth and her determination to reclaim control over her life.
Is Babygirl a Christmas Movie?
Though initially conceived as a summer film, Babygirl underwent a seasonal transformation due to production delays. Director Halina Reijn rewrote the script to set the story during Christmas, making the holiday an integral backdrop. The wintry setting and festive elements add a layer of irony to the film’s dark themes, earning its place as an unconventional Christmas movie.
Final Thoughts
Babygirl leaves audiences with a complex portrait of desire, betrayal, and redemption. Kidman’s portrayal of Romy’s struggles and choices anchors the film, while the nuanced ending offers a blend of hope and unresolved tension. Whether you view it as a Christmas tale or a cautionary drama, Babygirl is a thought-provoking addition to A24’s catalog.
