Exploring Power, Control, and Authenticity in Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl”
In her latest film, Babygirl, Dutch writer-director Halina Reijn delves into the complexities of power, control, and the human desire for authenticity. The film, which premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, stars Nicole Kidman as a high-powered CEO who risks everything for a forbidden affair with her much younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson.
Reijn’s narrative is a bold exploration of societal expectations and the masks we wear. “The whole movie is about performing,” she explains.“It starts with a fake orgasm. it ends with a real orgasm. So we’re continuously asking the audience what is real and what is fake.” This theme of duality is central to the film, as it challenges viewers to question the authenticity of their own lives.
The story follows Kidman’s character, a triumphant robotics CEO with a seemingly perfect life—a loving husband, a beautiful family, and a thriving career. yet, she finds herself drawn to her intern, a relationship that is as much about power as it is about desire.“this whole movie is about power, control, surrender,” Reijn notes.
One pivotal scene captures the essence of this dynamic. The CEO, dressed impeccably, waits in a hotel room for her intern, who arrives underdressed, carrying a plastic bag from a bodega. His casual demeanor—“Oh, you’re here”—promptly shifts the power balance. “What you’re doing is wrong,” he says, a line that Reijn describes as a intentional power play.
the scene is a performance within a performance, with the actors oscillating between their characters and their true selves. “we really asked the actors to show that they are performing,” Reijn says.Dickinson’s character grapples with modern masculinity,questioning,“Who am I allowed to be as a man in a day and age of consent?”
Kidman’s character,despite her immense power,chooses to be degraded,a choice that Reijn sees as a reflection of societal pressures.“The moment we start to suppress the beast and we say,no,I don’t have a beast,I’m going to do Botox. I’m going to sit in ice baths. I’m going to sit in oxygen chambers and do all the therapy that I can think of to create this perfect image of my identity, and then everybody will love me.That’s, of course, a mistake.”
Reijn describes babygirl as a cautionary tale. “My movie is a cautionary tale of what happens when you deny that you have a darker side within you.” It’s a story about embracing our raw, unfiltered selves, even when it’s uncomfortable.
| Key Themes in “Babygirl” |
|——————————-|
| Power Dynamics | Explores the shifting balance of control between characters. |
| Authenticity | Questions the masks we wear and the pursuit of true self. |
| Forbidden Desire | Examines the consequences of taboo relationships. |
| Societal Expectations | Critiques the pressure to conform to idealized identities. |
Reijn’s film is a provocative journey into the human psyche, challenging audiences to confront their own vulnerabilities. As she puts it, “Stop! Open your eyes, please.”
For those intrigued by the interplay of power and desire, Babygirl is a must-watch. Dive deeper into the film’s themes and explore its Venice Film Festival debut here.
Exploring Power, Control, and Authenticity in Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl”
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Halina Reijn’s latest film, Babygirl, has sparked conversations about power dynamics, societal expectations, and the pursuit of authenticity. Starring Nicole Kidman as a high-powered CEO entangled in a forbidden affair, the film premiered at the 81st Venice international Film Festival to critical acclaim. We sat down with Dr. Elena martinez, a cultural studies expert and film analyst, to delve deeper into the film’s themes and its impact on contemporary cinema.
Power Dynamics in “Babygirl”
Senior Editor: Dr. Martinez, one of the central themes in Babygirl is power dynamics. how does the film explore this concept?
Dr. Martinez: The film brilliantly captures the shifting balance of power between Nicole Kidman’s character, the CEO, and her younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson. At first glance, Kidman’s character holds all the power—she’s wealthy, accomplished, and in control. But as the story unfolds, we see how the intern subtly challenges her authority, creating a interesting tension. It’s a dance of dominance and submission,where both characters are constantly renegotiating thier roles.
Authenticity and Performance
Senior Editor: Halina Reijn has described the film as being about “performing.” Can you elaborate on how authenticity plays into the narrative?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. The film opens with a fake orgasm and ends with a real one,which is a powerful metaphor for the journey the characters—and the audience—go through. Kidman’s character is constantly performing: as the perfect CEO, the perfect wife, the perfect mother. But beneath that polished exterior is a raw, unfiltered self that she’s been suppressing. The film challenges us to question how much of our own lives are performances and how much is truly authentic.
Forbidden Desire and Societal Expectations
Senior Editor: The forbidden affair at the heart of the film is both compelling and controversial. How does the film handle this taboo subject?
Dr.Martinez: The affair is more than just a scandalous plot device—it’s a lens through which the film examines societal expectations.Kidman’s character is expected to embody perfection, but her attraction to the intern reveals her darker, more primal side. The film doesn’t shy away from the consequences of this relationship, but it also doesn’t judge. Instead,it asks us to consider why we’re so swift to label certain desires as “wrong” or “taboo.”
Modern Masculinity and Vulnerability
Senior Editor: Harris Dickinson’s character grapples with modern masculinity. How does the film address this theme?
Dr. Martinez: Dickinson’s character is a fascinating study in vulnerability. He’s young, confident, and seemingly in control, but he’s also deeply aware of the power imbalance in his relationship with Kidman’s character. The film asks, “What does it mean to be a man in today’s world?” It’s a question that resonates with many viewers, especially as traditional notions of masculinity are being redefined.
A Cautionary Tale
Senior Editor: Halina Reijn has called Babygirl a “cautionary tale.” What do you think she means by that?
Dr. Martinez: I believe Reijn is warning us about the dangers of denying our true selves. Kidman’s character spends so much time trying to maintain this perfect image that she loses touch with her own desires and vulnerabilities. The film suggests that embracing our imperfections—our “beast,” as Reijn puts it—is essential for living an authentic life. It’s a powerful message, especially in a world that often values appearances over substance.
