As a cinephile who has had the privilege of witnessing the masterful artistry that is Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl,” I must say that this film has left an indelible mark on me. The director’s ability to weave her own personal experiences into the narrative makes for a captivating and authentic viewing experience.

The milk scene, in particular, struck a chord with me. You see, I too have found myself in a similar situation, albeit with a slightly different beverage – a steaming cup of tea instead of a glass of milk. And let me tell you, the thrill of consuming an entire drink in one go, all because it was offered by a mysterious stranger, is a sensation that I won’t forget anytime soon.

What Reijn has managed to do with “Babygirl” is to take this simple, yet potent, moment and elevate it into something much larger. She delves deep into the human psyche, exploring our desires, fears, and compulsions in a way that is both raw and riveting. The film serves as a testament to the fact that real, shocking sex is not always about physical intimacy, but rather the dance of the mind.

And let’s not forget the performance by the incomparable Nicole Kidman. Her portrayal of Romy is nothing short of breathtaking. The way she embodies this complex character, teetering on the edge of sanity and yet always remaining compelling, is truly a sight to behold.

So, if you’re looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, challenge your perceptions, and perhaps even stir some long-forgotten memories, I wholeheartedly recommend “Babygirl.” Just remember to keep a glass of milk handy – you never know when you might find yourself drawn into its allure.

Oh, and as a parting thought, I can’t help but wonder if the young Belgian actor who offered Reijn that glass of milk ever saw the finished film. If he did, I hope he called her a “good girl” this time around. After all, she did make quite an impression with that one sip!

As a longtime admirer of Halina Reijn’s work, I found myself utterly captivated by the unique and intriguing scene in her film “Babygirl.” One particular moment that stood out to me was when Nicole Kidman’s character, Romy, received a glass of milk from the young intern she was having an affair with while they were both at the same bar. This seemingly innocuous gesture carried a charged and humorous undertone, as Romy finished the entire glass in one swift gulp, signaling her willingness to follow through on their clandestine relationship.

What made this moment even more compelling for me was learning that it was inspired by an event from Reijn’s own life. I find it fascinating when artists draw upon personal experiences to create such captivating and relatable scenes in their work, as it adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth that resonates with viewers.

In my own life, I have found myself drawn to stories that explore the complexities and nuances of human relationships, particularly those that delve into the realm of romance and desire. “Babygirl” certainly delivered on this front, offering a sensual and humorous take on an affair between two characters who are both intriguing and flawed in their own ways. I found myself rooting for them to find some sort of resolution, even as the tension between them grew increasingly palpable.

Overall, I highly recommend “Babygirl” to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and emotionally engaging films that explore the intricacies of human relationships. Halina Reijn has crafted a compelling narrative that is both sensual and humorous, all while drawing upon her own experiences to create a story that feels authentic and relatable. I can’t wait to see what she does next!

In simpler terms, the filmmaker shared with IndieWire that milk symbolizes our primal instincts in his work, having been used in other films as well. He once experienced a rare moment of self-confidence while performing in Belgium. After the show, his colleagues retired for the night, leaving him alone. Feeling on top of the world that particular evening, he decided to visit a bar and ordered something ordinary like a Diet Coke since he wasn’t drinking at the time due to being a bit of a perfectionist.

Reijn mentioned a young Belgian actor, whom he didn’t disclose, but he was quite renowned. I had heard of him, but we hadn’t interacted before. He was at least 15 years younger than me and requested a glass of milk. I found it incredibly bold and courageous, so I decided to finish it as a gesture of appreciation. However, it must be admitted that it made me feel slightly queasy because it was regular cow milk. This incident took place in the past.

Reijn mentioned that this young Belgian actor didn’t approach her and compliment her as a “good girl,” but she expressed a wish that he had.

Reijn stated, ‘He left without any physical intimacy. I didn’t engage in sexual activities with him, but an intense moment of arousal occurred while I was writing. What intrigues me about sex is not the act itself, but rather the mental aspect. In my perspective, true, provocative sex isn’t necessarily two bodies colliding; instead, it’s the power of suggestion and imagination. For instance, Romy crawling on a soiled carpet, licking a bit of candy from his hand, and being treated like an animal – that to me, is very appealing. On-screen sexual acts are typically unexciting for me, which is why we only see brief instances of such scenes.’

I was thrilled to witness the grand opening of “Babygirl” on Christmas Day, and it raked in an impressive $7 million at the domestic box office within its first five days. Notably, film critic Owen Gleiberman from EbMaster’s has ranked “Babygirl” as the 8th best movie of 2024!

As a movie critic, I found Reijn’s drama, centered around a complex and captivating sadomasochistic relationship, to be more than just a titillating exploration of kinks – it’s a stark reflection of a society that worships the deity of control. Romy, the protagonist, is not merely breaking rules in her workplace, but using these transgressions as a form of erotic thrill. What sets this film apart is Kidman’s mesmerizing performance, where she portrays this dangerous recklessness as a deeply human struggle – that of a woman so fragmented by societal expectations that she cannot reconcile the different aspects of her own identity.

“Babygirl” is now playing in theaters from A24.

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2024-12-30 19:46