32/22
This had none of that
A powerful CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a whirlwind affair with her much younger intern. Jean Reno shot scenes for the film, but it was completely cut from the finished film. Featured in Graham Norton and guests: Nicole Kidman/Cynthia Erivo/James Norton/Chris McClausland/Benson Boone (2024). We have seen this movie many times, and much better. That is what angers the most. This story can be done with emotion, sensuality and intensity. What he missed the most and his biggest downfall; he had zero credibility. Nothing with the characters, the plot or the background of the story. There’s only one person in this entire journey you sympathize with, and that’s because of the only decent performance worth mentioning.
The foundation was intriguing
And even he gets saddled with a terrible series of stories before all is said and done. A brilliant, married, business woman with a past drama starts a creepy affair with a young intern. Lifetime built an entire channel around that premise. Nicole Kidman as the lead is also exciting. She’s a beautiful, experienced actress who exudes power. But this was just a wasted use of all those building blocks. The story of the little girl, while understandable, is very thin. We get a brief glimpse into how Romy (Nicole Kidman) has risen to the top of the corporate world. It’s unclear who does what at the firm and what, if anything, is going on there.
We just don’t believe it
They bring in a new group of interns including a pompous, chatty brat named Samuel (Harris Dickinson). He immediately picks up on Romy’s flaws and uses them to somehow manipulate her into risking everything. By this point in the film, it’s been established that Romy has serious problems when it comes to sex. Or from her past – which is touched upon, but never really explained – or trying to deal with her powerful position. The chemistry between Kidman and Dickinson is devoid of any magic or appeal. And when you have scenes like we have in this movie that live and breathe chemistry, when it’s not there, it becomes just plain sad and funny. Samuel comes across as a spoiled brat and you kind of hate him from the start. That makes it even harder to believe that Romy would be a least interested in this guy; kink or not kink. You could find better on Google.
could have empathy
At the heart of this is Romy’s husband (Jacob) Antonio Banderas. Jacob is a loving, patient and caring man who does his best to understand and stand by Romy. There’s no doubt they have intimacy issues, but you get the feeling they’re being pushed instead of talked about. Even when he finds out about the affair, he’s polite and reacts as expected. Banderas is the only person in this film actor and character I would have a crush on. (Side note) – If you get tired of the movie and want to find a way to have fun. Just close your eyes. All the scenes with Banderas now look like Puss N Boots. The biggest disappointment and shock is that the movie was written and directed by a woman.
If the guy made this movie, I would get a breakup
Halina Reijn is a capable director on both sides of the camera. If anyone should be able to convey what she wants Romy to convey, it’s her. I would tell him to stop trying to get inside a woman’s head about those things. But there’s no excuse here for what we get from the story and the performances. Baby Girl is rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and language. Even before the first scene comes into focus, you know what this movie is about. Make sure you are comfortable with who you are watching it with and that you are both mature enough not to laugh during the sexy scenes. I am giving one star because zero stars might look like I forgot to add any.
