Spirit, Saree, and Bhangra

The film Babygirl, directed and written by Halina Reijn and starring Nicole Kidman (Romy), Harris Dickinson (Samuel), and Antonio Banderas (Jacob), is a bold cinematic production with a robust commentary on love, eroticism, and romance.

The title Babygirl is apt. Romy, an older married woman, is the eponymous baby girl who is beautiful yet morally corrupt. She lacks moral values and puts her family’s reputation at stake. Romy, a dynamic CEO who is bored with her married life, indulges in an extramarital affair, falling for a much younger intern in her firm. Not only does she risk her reputation, but she also breaks the family structure she had built with so much love and affection.

It was shocking to watch the film, especially for the Pakistani audience. The film is provocative and daring. I was surprised how it was permitted to be screened in a Muslim country like ours. The censor board had approved it and allowed it to be shown publicly in a cinema. How did the censor board find it fit for public viewing? But I think the answer is simple. The film’s primary theme is rooted in a host of illicit and vile acts of sexual pleasure and immorality. The entire film would have had to be censored then, which would have left the story incomplete.

The plot is simple, yet its execution is a feat. Nicole Kidman shines bright, as always. She portrays her character well, and her acting is remarkable. I think the director made the right choice in selecting her for this role.

Harris Dickerson is cute and good-looking. The chemistry between Kidman and Dickinson is at once spontaneous. Antonio Banderas is Kidman’s husband in the film. He is devastated when Kidman tells him her truth. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It falls into the genres of drama, romance, and erotic thriller.

The film also focuses on the power dynamics of men and women. Men have power over women. Romy’s sin becomes larger in people’s eyes just because she is a woman. As Romy has to choose between her ambition and morality, the men around her exploit her. She has made herself vulnerable and now faces humiliation at the hands of men at her workplace. A dialogue in the film speaks volumes about the theme of the film: “A woodpecker lays eggs in other nests.”

The dialogue points to Romy’s infidelity. There is a conflict between Romy’s head and her life. She is going through an obsession. Dark thoughts envelop her mind. As she gives in to her demons, she is left behind with nothing but regret.

“We have to prepare ourselves as the avalanche that will cover us will come soon.” The dialogue is layered with meaning. It is profound and relevant.
This scribe liked the film, minus the vulgarity. However, it is uncomfortable to watch even with friends. Such films are meant to be watched alone. However, I would give the director credit for addressing the storyline and thematic concerns in a powerful and impactful manner. Babygirl deserves applause! Despite its negative aspects, replete with eroticism and marital infidelity, the film is worth watching only for a mature audience.