Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Babygirl!
I saw 2024’sBabygirl, but after viewing it, I am surprised that it is not the erotic thriller that I expected it to be.Babygirlis one of the most critically-acclaimed films of 2024, with the film being of note due to the awards buzz surrounding Nicole Kidman’s performance as well as the film’s highly sexual storyline. The trailer and other marketing materials forBabygirlset my expectations that the film would be a serious erotic thriller with dark themes and a dramatic story, but as it turns out,Babygirlsubverted by expectations.
Upon the announcement ofBabygirl, I couldn’t wait for the film, as there was tons that I was particularly excited about.Nicole Kidman’s other erotic thriller, Stanley Kubrick’sEyes Wide Shut, is one of my favorite films. On top of that, I lovedBodies Bodies Bodies, the previous film fromBabygirldirector Halina Reijn.Babygirllived up to my expectations for the quality of the film when I saw it, with it being one of my favorites of 2024. However, it did not live up to my expectations for its tone.
Babygirl Includes A Surprising Amount Of Comedy For An Erotic Thriller
Setting It Apart From Other Films In The Genre
AlthoughBabygirlis highly sexual and contains some pretty dark moments, it also includes a surprising amount of comedy for an erotic thriller.Babygirlis full of hilarious scenes, with some being intentional jokes designed to make the audience laugh, and others being sexual moments so bizarre that they can’t help but be laughed at. Moments between Romy and her daughters are sincerely very funny, which is not something that I expected going intoBabygirldue to its subject matter, trailers, and sexual content.
Why Dogs Are So Important In Babygirl & What They Represent
Dogs appear in key moments during Nicole Kidman’s new film Babygirl, which helps shape the plot and creates symbolism that pairs well with her desire.
On top of that, some of the funniest stuff inBabygirlcomes from how Spencer tries to seduce Romy. The idea ofSpencer sending Romy a glass of milkonly for her to chug it is hilarious, and the scene in which Spencer attempts to seductively dance to George Michael’s “Father Figure” is fantastically funny.Babygirlalso features an odd scene in which Romy has to get on her hands and knees and drink from a saucer, another moment that I laughed at due to how strange it was to watch in a theater full of people.
Babygirl Plays Jacob For A Lot Of Laughs
AlthoughBabygirlmostly focuses on Nicole Kidman’s Romy and Harris Dickinson’s Samuel, there is another prominently featured character who heavily contributes to the comedy of the film: Antonio Banderas' Jacob. InBabygirl, Jacob is Romy’s husband, with him being a theater director who doesn’t know anything aboutRomy’s inappropriate workplace relationship. Although Jacob is a sad character due to him being the victim of Romy’s affair, his sadness is played for laughs throughout the movie.
One of the funniest scenes inBabygirlis Jacob’s fight with Spencer, something that occurs near the end of the film. Samuel’s gag of going to church is also pretty funny, despite the character being incredibly sad in the moment. Almost every interaction between Jacob and Romy is funny due to the awkwardness that occurs thanks to Jacob’s sincere positivity and Romy’s disinterest. So, even though Jacob isn’t at the center of the erotic thriller aspect ofBabygirl, he is one of the centers of the comedy.
Babygirl’s Comedy Is Crucial To Making The Erotic Thriller Work
It Makes The Tone Unique
AlthoughI was a bit confused as to why there was so much comedy inBabygirl’s early scenes, I soon realized that it is crucial to making the film’s erotic thriller storyline work.Babygirluses its comedy to undercut the sexual tension and romantic beats throughout the film, with this juxtaposition givingBabygirlits unique tone. The film addresses the awkwardness of the vouyeristic position that the audience is in by having its comedy be apparent, with this being what makesBabygirlstand out from a movie likeFifty Shades of Grey.
Babygirl Ending Explained: Romy & Samuel’s Relationship & What Happens To Them
The emotional arc of Romy and Samuel’s affair builds to the ending of Babygirl, which underscores the film’s true thematic meaning and moral.
Babygirl’s comedy also allows it to get away with more. IfBabygirlwas played straight, Romy may be difficultto buy as a protagonist, with her being hard to sympathize with due to how she constantly jeopardizes those who are around her. However, havingBabygirlfeature intentional comedy means that any aspect of Romy that could be dramatically over-exaggerated actually works as a comedic beat. The bad things that Romy does become funny, withBabygirlfinding the perfect balance between its comedy and its erotic thriller tone.
Babygirl
Cast
Babygirl revolves around a high-powered CEO who risks her career and family by engaging in a passionate affair with her much younger intern. Released in 2024, this narrative explores themes of ambition, power dynamics, and personal sacrifice.
