Here’s a throwback to immature film of yesteryear, and a film that seems right in line with a populace that would select the worst candidate the country has to offer … so long as he’s a man. That is how immature this film is; it fits in spectacularly well with the present-day immaturity of the nation in general.
Does it matter? Hmmm, well, only if you care about feminism or women’s rights or anything along those lines. But I don’t think this film is mature enough to have a genuine political POV, tbh. It is simply catering to a specific audience of women who like to be dominated. Fun!
FWIW, I’m open and accepting any kind of sexual fantasy so long as it is consensual. That said – it is NOT a good idea to have a sexual relationship with a co-worker. And it is exponentially worse to have sexual relationship with a subordinate. The former because your business can suffer and the latter because the question of consensus will remain a question.
Ok, I got that out of the way. So let’s go see a sexy film, amIright? Wellllllll … one woman’s “sexy” is another woman’s “ewww.” I’ll get to that. Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman) is the CEO of an NYC tech company, which is a pretty neat trick for somebody who lacks a spine. I mean, I can understand how a male jellyfish can rise this high, but -generally speaking- women who get to the top by something other than becoming a widow don’t get there by magic or intensive periods of shrugging.
Enter Romy’s new intern -a CEO has an intern?! Ummm, ok. – Anyway, enter intern Samuel Fuckface (Harris Dickinson). Samuel has the sexual confidence that can only be obtained when your erect cock tastes like chocolate chip cookie dough. In a one-on-one meeting that clearly wasn’t written by anyone who has ever worked in an office before, Samuel “reads” Romy and immediately has her on the defensive. Yeah, CEOs are not defensive around people they employ. That’s not a thing. Samuel instinctively senses Romy likes to be dominated, hence it isn’t long before Samuel begins to make the moves to create those circumstances.
In a critical scene in this set-up, Samuel leaves a note with hotel room and a time on Romy’s desk. She goes to the hotel at the appropriate time to tell him to back off. This is the ultimate mixed-message. Romy tries to express how easy it would be for her to fire him. [You should have done that after the initial interview, lady.] Samuel points out, correctly, that she is now in much too deep for such and he holds all the power. Again, this is not a balanced relationship even if consensual.
At this point, however, I’m still with the film, despite my misgivings. You have my attention, Babygirl. Sure, I want to see what happens when Romy cedes all control. *Be careful what you ask for* Samuel has her get down on all fours … to act like a dog. He has her take one of those unwrapped strawberry hard candies from his palm, mouth it, and suck it.
OK, fine, I’m still here. Not wild about this, but still here.
Then he has her spit the candy out into his hand. And *without properly washing his hands* he proceeds to paw at her clothing and hair, as one would a dog.
And this is where you lost me cuz ewwwwwwww. Don’t you dare touch my hair with those gooey, sticky, toddler hands. Give them a proper wash first!
I’d like to say there was a lot of nudity and sex and tied-up domination fantasy in this film, but there 
really wasn’t. I didn’t want to give Challengers a call out, but that film was far sexier than this one. I see Babygirl as a film, unfortunately, far more interested in the fall-out than the chase. If you’re going to indulge, really extend Act II; have these two fall in love, why not?
I gave Babygirl 1.5 stars. It deserves worse. This is a bad, poorly written, poorly researched, and hilariously immature film. It would make far more sense for Romy to be an average housewife than a CEO. The idea that a powerful woman is so easily insecure that she’d throw away husband, kids, house, career, power on some rando is absolutely insane. However, I do realize this film might strike a chord for a segment of women longing to be dominated. I’m certain these women exist, and while I cannot recommend this film to them, perhaps being represented on film will atone for … exactly nothing.
There once was an exec named Romy
Who had sex trouble inside her homie
So an intern took a swing
Now she’s his plaything
But if any of this is real, you can blow me
Rated R, 114 Minutes
Director: Halina Reijn
Writer: Halina Reijn
Genre: I’ll take “things that didn’t happen” for $200
Type of being most likely to enjoy this film: Women with dominated fantasies
Type of being least likely to enjoy this film: Genuine feminists
