Nicole Kidman Leads Euronews Culture’s Film of the Week – ‘Babygirl’, a Sex‑Positive BDSM Drama

Unveiling the Drama of “Babygirl” at Venice

When “Babygirl” debuted last year at the Venice Film Festival, it sparked an immediate conversation among cinephiles and critics alike. Today, it stands as one of the most anticipated releases of 2025, thanks to its bold narrative and powerful performances.

Nicole Kidman’s Fearless Performance

• Character: A complex woman in a tumultuous relationship, navigating her internal desires.
• Risk: She embraces a daring romantic journey that reveals her deepest yearnings.
• Impact: Kidman’s portrayal is lauded for authenticity and emotional depth.

Why the Film Has Generated Buzz

• Storytelling: The film takes an unconventional approach to exploring love, addiction, and redemption.
• Visuals: Cinematography that captures both the intimacy and turbulence of the protagonist’s journey.
• Audience Reaction: Viewers have shared their thoughts on social media, amplifying the film’s reach.

What to Expect in 2025

The upcoming year promises a wide release, with cinema fans bracing for an experience that is as provocative as it is thought‑provoking. The film’s strong box‑office showing is expected, bolstered by the star power of Nicole Kidman and the film’s unique storyline.

Inside the Electrifying World of Babygirl

Romy – A Dual-World Executive

• Tech titan leading a robotics venture
• Married to theatre director Jacob (Antonio Banderas)
• Mother to two teenage daughters: Esther and Vaughan

When Automation Meets the Stage

Romy’s life oscillates between cutting‑edge technology and the arts, a blend that gives her an uncanny ability to orchestrate performances in both realms. The opening scenes reveal her navigating intimate moments with her husband, all while returning to her laptop for a curated selection of sub‑dom content.

A New Campus Connection

Enter Samuel, a sprightly intern played by Harris Dickinson. Their unexpected meeting on campus—watching a dog dash across the courtyard—sparks a dynamic connection that soon evolves into a tense, BDSM‑inspired collaboration.

Power Plays & Psychological Threats

Samuel, unfazed by formalities, introduces a looming threat: a single call could dismantle Romy’s empire. As their relationship deepens, the stakes climb, raising questions about influence, trust, and ambition.

The Avalanche Is Coming

In a pivotal conversation, Jacob probes Romy’s role, to which she replies, “We are all irrelevant – we need to pay more attention to the avalanche that’s going to cover us very soon.” This line captures the looming tension that frame the story’s climax.

Babygirl – A Thoughtful Exploration of Desire

Experience At A Glance

• Erotic storytelling without sensationalism – the film steers clear of lurid erotica.
• Deep focus on consent – prioritizing meaningful choices over mere titillation.
• Complex character arcs – no clear-cut good or bad, only nuanced humanity.

Halina Reijn’s Signature Direction

• Building on her previous works like Bodies Bodies Bodies and Instinct, she again delves into intimate psychosexual dynamics.
• Creates a late‑stage coming‑of‑age drama, tracing a woman’s search for self amidst vulnerability, shame, and rage.
• Shows how suppressed desires can be equally dangerous to an affair itself.

Central Themes

• Abhorrent suppression of desires: a thief that steals freedom and introduces peril.
• Power inequalities revealed without overt judging or consequential punishment.
• Examining control and autonomy: who decides the direction of the narrative?

The film encourages viewers to question the interplay of desire and consent, avoiding simple moral dichotomies and offering a layered portrait of human motivation.

Babygirl: A New Blend of Desire and Wit

Humor Meets Yearning

Babygirl explores complex longing while keeping the tone light through smart, subtle humor. Scenes as simple as a glass of milk in a bar, or a saucer in a bedroom, become memorable in their own right, often sparking viral moments. The soundtrack punctuates the narrative with classic hits like INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” and George Michael’s “Father Figure,” adding an unmistakable touch of irony that keeps the story from slipping into the realm of outright farce.

Key Cast Selections

• Nicole Kidman: Kidman brings an understated vulnerability to Romy that balances inner turbulence with polished exterior. Her track record – from intense pieces like Dogville to mainstream successes such as Australia – illustrates her versatility, making this a bold yet fitting choice.
• Harris Dickinson & Azaria: Together, the duo juggles bold ambition with charming awkwardness, adding relatability to an otherwise high‑stakes plot. Their dynamics prevent the film from devolving into camp, preserving a mix of humour and psychological depth.
• Antonio Banderas: Even with limited screen time, Banderas provides a cool, restrained counterpoint to Kidman’s intensity, adding further nuance to the overall performance ecosystem.

Director’s Creative Touch

Jacob’s decision to produce a rendition of Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler” – a story about a woman ensnared in a stagnant marriage – illustrates his penchant for weaving layered narratives. This choice subtly signals the film’s thematic undercurrents, inviting viewers to consider the ties between desire and duty.

Babygirl – A Thought‑Provoking Exploration of Desire and Power

What Haunts a Potential Masterpiece

While the film offers a daring look at human longing, it is hindered by a few lingering flaws. One issue is an overly explicit conclusion that feels forced; the ending attempts to spell every nuance out, diluting the subtlety built up throughout the narrative.

Gender Representation & Nudity Choices

In contrast to the bold appearances of Natalie Kidman, the film rarely shows male characters in an unshrouded state. Only a brief instance has Samuel Dickinson sans shirt. Although his lack of screen time doesn’t directly align with his storyline, this omission also weakens the film’s commentary on gendered power dynamics.

Reinier Reijn’s Bold Vision

• Honesty in Cast Selection – The performances are genuine, elevating the script’s rawness.
• Unconventional Themes – Differing from contemporaries such as The Piano Teacher and Secretary, this work strikes at the heart of American puritanism.
• Contrast with Previous Works – By juxtaposing itself against films that claim radicalism—like 9 ½ Weeks or Fifty Shades of Grey—it highlights their watered‑down treatment of desire.

A Fresh Perspective on Consent and Communication

Although it seems to narrowly focus on encouraging a sex‑positive stance, the film delivers an essential, refreshing message: open, honest dialogue about eroticism is vital. It invites audiences to explore consensual kinks in a responsible, thoughtful manner.

Current Availability

Babygirl is now showing across cinema chains.