Babygirl (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online?
“Babygirl,” the latest release from acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn, set the cinematic world abuzz following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2024. Starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, the movie dives deep into the complex dynamics of power, desire, and corporate hierarchy. With an intriguing plot centered around a steamy affair between a high-ranking executive and her intern, Babygirl brings provocative themes to the forefront.
This review will explore the film’s key highlights, the performances, and its likely streaming availability for those eager to watch it online.
Plot Summary
“Babygirl” tells the story of Romy Mathis, a high-powered CEO of Tensile Automation, a cutting-edge robotic warehouse company, living what appears to be the perfect life. Romy, played by Nicole Kidman, is successful in her career, has a loving husband (Antonio Banderas), and two adorable daughters. However, behind the scenes, she yearns for more — for something that breaks the monotony of her otherwise flawless existence.
This longing leads her to an intense and dangerous affair with Samuel, a brash and confident young intern played by Harris Dickinson. Their relationship begins as a power play, with Samuel questioning Romy’s authority and pushing her out of her corporate and personal comfort zones. Their BDSM-tinged affair blurs the lines between professional boundaries and personal desires, all set against the backdrop of a fast-paced corporate world.
The film captures Romy’s exploration of her innermost desires and questions the delicate balance between power, control, and submission.
Performance Highlights
Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Romy is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of Babygirl. Kidman brings depth and complexity to a character who seems to have it all but craves something more. Romy’s internal struggle is evident in Kidman’s nuanced performance, with her every glance and gesture hinting at the character’s growing dissatisfaction with her perfect life. Her on-screen chemistry with Dickinson is palpable, elevating the tension between their characters.
Harris Dickinson, in his role as Samuel, embodies a mix of youthful arrogance and vulnerability, challenging Romy’s control both in the boardroom and in the bedroom. His performance complements Kidman’s, creating a dynamic power play between the two characters. Dickinson’s Samuel is not just an object of desire but a character with his own ambitions and motivations.
Antonio Banderas, playing Romy’s oblivious yet supportive husband, provides a strong performance as the other side of Romy’s life — the stable, comfortable world she is so eager to escape from.
Directorial Vision and Themes
Halina Reijn, known for her provocative directorial style in Bodies Bodies Bodies, once again delves into the darker aspects of human nature. In Babygirl, Reijn explores the intersections of power, control, and desire in a corporate setting, shining a spotlight on the inherent complexities of office dynamics and sexual relationships.
What makes Babygirl distinct is its refusal to adhere to traditional moral narratives. Unlike other erotic thrillers, there is no punishment for the characters’ actions. Instead, Reijn presents the affair as a journey of self-discovery for Romy, free from the heavy-handed moral consequences typical of this genre.
Reijn’s direction feels like a cultural critique of the modern corporate world, where control and submission are not just themes in the bedroom but play out in the office as well.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch Babygirl Online?
As of now, Babygirl has premiered at film festivals but has not yet been released for streaming or rental on any platforms. Given the pedigree of the film, with both Kidman’s star power and Reijn’s reputation as a filmmaker, it is highly likely that major streaming platforms will compete for its rights.
Based on current trends, Babygirl could see a streaming release on one or more of the following services:
- HBO Max: With Nicole Kidman having a history of HBO collaborations (such as Big Little Lies), it’s a strong possibility that Babygirl could be picked up by HBO Max. HBO often features films and series that delve into complex human relationships, making it a fitting home for this erotic drama.
- Netflix: Netflix is no stranger to distributing films that push boundaries, such as 365 Days and Fifty Shades of Grey. With its massive global reach, Netflix could be a prime candidate for the streaming rights to Babygirl.
- Hulu: As a platform that caters to more adult themes and indie films, Hulu may also acquire the film for streaming. Hulu’s catalog often features films that examine the darker aspects of human nature, which fits Babygirl’s tone.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you prefer not to wait for Babygirl to hit a subscription streaming platform, you can likely expect it to be available for rental or purchase on services such as:
- iTunes/Apple TV: Apple’s platform often gets new releases for rent or purchase shortly after their theatrical or festival runs.
- Google Play: A go-to platform for renting and buying new releases, Babygirl will likely be available here.
- Amazon Prime (Rent or Buy): Apart from Prime Video’s streaming service, Amazon often makes new films available for digital rental or purchase.
Expected Release Timeline
Since Babygirl is still in its festival circuit stage, an official release date for streaming has not yet been confirmed. However, films that premiere in the fall, especially at major festivals like Venice, often get a streaming or digital release by early spring of the following year.
If you’re eager to watch Babygirl, keep an eye out for announcements from the major streaming platforms mentioned above. Based on its critical reception, we can expect Babygirl to land on one or more of these services by mid-2024.
Conclusion
Babygirl (2024) is a film that’s sure to leave audiences talking, not only because of its provocative content but also due to its exploration of deeper themes of power, control, and human desire. With standout performances from Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, and Halina Reijn’s bold directorial vision, this film is one to watch when it becomes available on streaming platforms.
While the movie is not yet streaming, it is expected to be available on major platforms such as HBO Max, Netflix, or Amazon Prime in the near future.
