There’s a certain backhandedness to calling an actor “brave,” but truly, few are willing to take on the daring and challenging roles Nicole Kidman will. Her latest performance in writer-director Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” proves Kidman has no interest in slowing down or being cast aside in an industry that doesn’t value age and experience.
“Babygirl” is Reijn’s follow-up to 2022’s smug, self-satisfied “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and finds her operating in a completely different register. Kidman stars as Romy, the CEO of her own company, who seemingly has it all: a high-powered job, wealth, a beautiful family (her husband is played by Antonio Banderas) and a luxurious Manhattan apartment. But, there’s something missing for Romy.
Her company has introduced an intern program, where she meets Samuel (Harris Dickinson). Samuel is magnetically drawn to Romy and requests her as his mentor, which she immediately scoffs at. Romy’s a powerful woman whose time …