SPOILER ALERT!  While the unpredictable ending is not revealed here, some details are unearthed in this review. However, if you have seen the trailer, then you already know much of what transpires in the film.  The basic plot is that a high-powered CEO, Romy (Nicole Kidman), engages in an affair with a young intern, Samuel, over what feels like a protracted holiday/Christmas season. While some may loosely compare this movie to “Fifty Shades of Grey” because of a sexually-driven, dominant-submissive theme, this film is far more complex and thought-provoking (to its credit).

This movie flips the long-standing plot of the male executive who grossly abuses his power by crossing dangerous lines with those, often female, who hold positions at lower organizational levels.  The director does an incredible job of making the affair’s beginning seem plausible.  I, for one, “bought” that this type of liaison could indeed eventuate if an executive makes the mistake of attempting to bring their own personal (e.g., erotic, sexual) fantasies to life.   The film keeps movie-goers on the edge of their seats as they wonder just how far Romy will take this affair whilst risking losing what seems like the “picture perfect” family (home) life and work life as a high-profile CEO. Similar to the stereotypical male, she “compartmentalizes” very well such that she can temporarily maintain this “double-life”– until it begins to take its toll on her, emotionally.

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The acting is noteworthy, particularly Kidman’s, who takes a lot of risks in this role.  In my opinion, her acting abilities have grown quite a bit since “Eyes Wide Shut,” which is somewhat in the same genre as “Babygirl”.  In this movie, her character is more complex, such that while she perseverates on “dominant-submissive” fantasies, she is struggling with her own emotional life.  For example, she tries her best to “keep it together” while aiming to simultaneously succeed in the challenging roles of both the domestic mother/wife and that of an external ambassador of a high-profile tech company based in New York City.  In sum, she absolutely “nails it”, acting-wise, in terms of giving life to this character who garners are empathy and sometimes, even outright pity.  She deserves a Best Actress nod for successfully pulling this one off!

The disappointing piece for me was that there are certain aspects of this movie that are almost impossible to buy.  Two examples.  First, the casting of Antonio Banderas (Romy’s husband) in the role of someone who is not viewed as “sexy” by his wife (Kidman)?  I understand, rationally, but why was one of the world’s heart-throbs even cast in such a role? Tough to buy, for sure.  (Fortunately, Banderas is an excellent actor such that he did a great job in performing the role as written).  Second, it was near impossible to believe that her liaison had ZERO negative impact on the “work side” of her life.  Naturally, as a CEO role is typically a “24-7 job”, particularly with a highly visible profile, there would be at least some negative repercussions on the organization of which s/he leads.  ON THE CONTRARY, Romy’s company thrives beyond its own expectations.  This especially defies logic when it would be difficult to keep such a liaison under wraps in NYC, as she appears in public with Samuel at restaurants, hotels, and even a rave which she inexplicably attends upon Samuel’s command.  In any case, if fans can suspend disbelief, the movie will be far more enjoyable for them.

On a positive note, it is in the eye of the beholder whether the movie has a “good” or “bad” ending.  In truth, the ending “saved” the movie for me, and I will be interested to hear from others as to their own personal takes.

Grade: B-

About The Peetimes: Fortunately, although this is a suspenseful film, there are some ideal spots where little transpires in terms of plot/character development.

The third/last Peetime is the best of the bunch.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Babygirl.

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dd33803, 07/05/2023

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Plot
A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much-younger intern.