The following contains brief mentions of the sexual relationships inBabygirl.
The following article contains spoilers forBabygirl!Babygirlwas one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2024, but I have a significant issue with the way Romy’s (Nicole Kidman) story wraps up. The movie explores the precarious relationship between the CEO of a high-ranking tech company and a young intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson) by using the considerableage gap inBabygirlto delve into the power dynamics at play. In reversing the stereotypical age gap,Babygirlwas celebrated as one of the best erotic thrillers in years. However, while ambitious in scope, theending ofBabygirlis ultimately overshadowed by one significant problem.
The talentedcast inBabygirlplays a crucial role in the film’s success, keeping the story moving forward despite the complex issues it tackles. While Kidman delivers what many consider a top-tier performance, Dickinson garnered praise for taking on a role vastly different from his usual work.The strong performances are key to making Romy and Samuel’s dynamic work, as well as their relationship becoming creditable to its audience. That being said, the dangerous nature of the affair, as Romy becomes dissatisfied with her husband’s sexual performance, leads to a major flaw inBabygirl’s ending.
Babygirl Builds Up The Massive Stakes Of Romy & Samuel’s Affair Becoming Known
Risk Plays A Significant Role In Romy & Samuel’s Relationship
The heightened power dynamic is one of the key factors contributing toRomy and Samuel’s relationship. As the CEO of a high-influence company,Romy holds considerable power over Samuel, who joins as a young, low-level apprentice. Needless to say, her high-ranking position creates vulnerability for Romy in her relationship with Samuel. The revelation of Romy’s affair with Samuel would have devastating and immediate consequences for her life, including her marriage and career. She later confesses to her husband, Jacob (Antonio Banderas) that the potential risks were part of what attracted her to Samuel.
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The consequences are a critical aspect of the film, which explains whyBabygirlis so invested in building the high stakes of their relationship. With the threat of their affair being revealed,Babygirlbuilds anticipation of the fallout from Romy and Samuel’s relationship. We are made to feel perpetually on edge, and left wondering if their affair will be revealed. This dynamic amplifies the tension in scenes such as Samuel’s visits to Romy’s marital home. However, the film’s ending fails to deliver on the tension it so carefully builds, leading to a rather unsatisfying conclusion for Romy’s character inBabygirl.
Babygirl’s Ending Lets Romy Off The Hook Without Any Real Consequences
Romy’s Character Learned Nothing From Her Experience In Babygirl
The final scenes ofBabygirldeliver an incredibly disappointing conclusion. Romy’s affair is revealed, and Jacob’s anger only lasts for a short period before he ultimately returns to repair their relationship.In fact, Romy and Jacob’s marriage actually seems to improve afterward;their sex life becomes even more vibrant than before, and the family unit remains intact, with their children seemingly unaffected by the events that have transpired. Despite the significant build-up, the aspectsBabygirlpresented as being the most vulnerable ultimately suffered no real consequences, as Romy appears to be better off for her betrayal.
Not just this, it seems incredibly unjust thatRomy faces no professional consequences either, and retains her job after her affair with a former intern. As a matter of fact, Romy becomes even more confident as a leader in spite of her employees being aware of the affair, and her negligence with the company. This not only undermines the film’s central argument but also renders her assistant’s, Esme, feminist subplot completely irrelevant when she learns of her boss' intentions. Essentially, Romy’s life improves after her sexual escapade with Samuel, whereas he comes out of the affair worse off.
Why Babygirl’s Ending For Romy Is Problematic
Babygirl’s Conclusion Gives The Wrong Message To Audiences
Babygirl’s problematic ending sets a worrying precedent for audience reception of future narratives. She gets everything she wants at the end of the film, butRomy’s failure to show any real remorse for her actions towards Samuel, or their consequences, is incredibly troubling. Even during a final intimate moment with Jacob, Romy’s thoughts are still with Samuel, which only serves to highlight her lack of character growth and the affair’s inconsequential impact on her present. As a result, her character feels static and unsympathetic to viewers who were expecting some form of retribution.
Babygirlsuggests that exploitative behavior can be indulged in without taking any accountability, which is a troubling message for its audiences, and it probably wasn’t the film’s intended message.
Kidman’s erotic thrillerends in a way that many could interpret asBabygirlcondoning or even glorifying these regrettable behaviors. Arguably,Babygirlsuggests that exploitative behavior can be indulged in without taking any accountability, which is a troubling message for its audiences, and it probably wasn’t the film’s intended message. The conclusion undermines the entire film, as the narrative essentially circles back to its starting point, making Romy and Samuel’s interactions feel inconsequential. For all its ambition,Babygirlseverely under-delivered on its high stakes, resulting in a notably lackluster ending.
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.
