DOGE's Next Target Set To Hand 401K Savers A Windfall?

Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has already uncovered $55B in waste--and Trump's backing his plan to return $2T in savings to taxpayers. But why wait? Unlock a legal Trump IRS loophole to protect & grow your wealth NOW!

Movie Review: Nicole Kidman commands the erotic office drama 'Babygirl'

JAKE COYLE
December 23, 2024

The demands of achieving both one-day shipping and a satisfying orgasm collide in Halina Reijn's "Babygirl," a kinky and darkly comic erotic thriller about sex in the Amazon era.

Nicole Kidman stars as Romy Mathis, the chief executive of Tensile, a robotics business that pioneered automotive warehouses. In the movie's opening credits, a maze of conveyor belts and bots shuttle boxes this way and that without a human in sight.

Romy, too, is a little robotic. She intensely presides over the company. Her eyes are glued to her phone. She gets Botox injections, practices corporate-speak presentations ("Look up, smile and never show your weakness") and maintains a floor-through New York apartment, along with a mansion in the suburbs that she shares with her theater-director husband ( Antonio Banderas ) and two teenage daughters (Esther McGregor and Vaughan Reilly).

But the veneer of control is only that in "Babygirl," a sometimes campy, frequently entertaining modern update to the erotically charged movies of the 1990s, like "Basic Instinct" and "9 ½ Weeks." Reijn, the Danish director of "Bodies Bodies Bodies" has critically made her film from a more female point of view, resulting in ever-shifting gender and power dynamics that make "Babygirl" seldom predictable -- even if the film is never quite as daring as it seems to thinks it is.

The opening moments of "Babygirl," which A24 releases Wednesday, are of Kidman in close-up and apparent climax. But moments after she and her husband finish and say "I love you," she retreats down the hall to writhe on the floor while watching cheap, transgressive internet pornography. The breathy soundtrack, by the composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer, heaves and puffs along with the film's main character.

One day while walking into the office, Romy is taken by a scene on the street. A violent dog gets loose but a young man, with remarkable calmness, calls to the dog and settles it. She seems infatuated. The young man turns out to be Samuel (Harris Dickinson), one of the interns just starting at Tensile. When they meet inside the building, his manner with her is disarmingly frank. Samuel arranges for a brief meeting with Romy, during which he tells her, point blank, "I think you like to be told what to do." She doesn't disagree.

Some of the same dynamic seen on the sidewalk, of animalistic urges and submission to them, ensues between Samuel and Romy. A great deal of the pleasure in "Babygirl" comes in watching Kidman, who so indelibly depicted uncompromised female desire in Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut," again wade into the mysteries of sexual hunger.

"Babygirl," which Reijn also wrote, is sometimes a bit much. (In one scene, Samuel feeds Romy saucers of milk while George Michael's "Father Figure" blares.) But its two lead actors are never anything but completely magnetic. Kidman deftly portrays Romy as a woman falling helplessly into an affair; she both knows what she's doing and doesn't.

Dickinson exudes a disarming intensity; his chemistry with Kidman, despite their quickly forgotten age gap, is visceral. As their affair evolves, Samuel's sense of control expands and he begins to threaten a call to HR. That he could destroy her doesn't necessarily make Romy any less interested in seeing him, though there are some delicious post-#MeToo ironies in their clandestine CEO-intern relationship. Also in the mix is Romy's executive assistant, Esme (Sophie Wilde, also very good), who's eager for her own promotion.

Where "Babygirl" heads from here, I won't say. But the movie is less interested in workplace politics than it is in acknowledging authentic desires, even if they're a little ludicrous. There's genuine tenderness in their meetings, no matter the games that are played. Late in the film, Samuel describes it as "two children playing."

As a kind of erotic parable of control, "Babygirl" is also, either fittingly or ironically, shot in the very New York headquarters of its distributor, A24. For a studio that's sometimes been accused of having a "house style," here's a movie that goes one step further by literally moving in.

What about that automation stuff earlier? Well, our collective submission to digital overloads might have been a compelling jumping-off point for the film, but along the way, not every thread gets unraveled in the easily distracted "Babygirl." Saucers of milk will do that.

"Babygirl," an A24 release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for "strong sexual content, nudity and language." Running time: 114 minutes. Three stars out of four.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Stock market today: Asian markets slip following Trump's announcements of big tariff hikes

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian markets and U.S. futures tumbled Thursday following U.S. President announcement of big increases in on imports of goods from around the world.

Volkswagen's Audi To Slash Up To 7,500 Jobs By 2029 To Boost Competitiveness

Audi AG is securing its future with a new agreement focusing on job protection, increased productivity, and a shift to electric mobility. By 2029, Audi plans to cut up to 7,500 indirect jobs while investing €8 billion in its German plants.

U.S. Gov't Backs Small Firm Solving the AI Energy Crisis - Ad

The AI sector's explosive growth is setting us on a collision course where a single company's energy needs could rival those of entire nations. But ONE company holds the key to preventing this crisis...With a breakthrough tech designed to fulfill the surging power needs of our AI-driven future. Its shares are currently selling for just a few dollars.

Trump's Exec Order #14154 Could Be a "Millionaire-Maker" - Ad

Trump's next move could cement his legacy--and trigger a historic wealth boom. Ex-presidential advisor Jim Rickards reveals how it could hand millions a shot at true financial freedom. Watch the urgent interview while it's still free.

Hong Kong's richest man, Li Ka-shing, is in hot water over his company's Panama Ports deal

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s business empire is in the after CK Hutchison Holdings chose to sell its Panama Canal to a consortium that includes U.S. investment firm BlackRock Inc., apparently angering Beijing.

Close calls at Washington DC airport raise questions about why changes weren't made before crash

While Congress pushed ahead last year with adding 10 new daily flights to Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, many looked past concerns about dangers in the congested skies over the nation's capital.

Hurry! Enter These 2 Trades by EOD Tuesday - Ad

This system uses an odd twist on trading options that has led to win after win, oftentimes doubling your money in just 3 days! This simple system hasn't closed out a losing trade... in more than 8 years! And the latest two trades are about to be released...

Trump Yanks Security Clearances From Biden, Harris, Clinton, and Other Foes

President Trump has rescinded security clearances and access to classified information from a list of high-profile individuals.

Dollar Tree, GameStop And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Wednesday

With U.S. stock futures trading mixed this morning on Wednesday, some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are as follows:

UEC Soared 2,500 Percent--Could This Uranium Junior Be Next? - Ad

Five years ago, UEC was a tiny uranium stock. Now, it's a $3.11 billion powerhouse. This small uranium junior is sitting on prime assets and could be next.

NV5 Deepens Data Center Push With Herman Cx Acquisition

NV5 Global (NASDAQ: NVEE) acquires Herman Cx, a U.S. provider of commissioning services for data centers. The deal is expected to boost earnings and expand cross-selling opportunities.

Trump to Unlock 15-Figure Fortune for America (May 3rd)? - Ad

This map looks ordinary--but according to insider Jim Rickards, it reveals a hidden government asset so massive . Trump may soon unlock it--learn how to position yourself before it's too late!

Why Hertz and Avis Stocks Are Soaring Today

Shares of Hertz and Avis Budget Group surged on Thursday. As vehicle prices rise, rental car companies could see higher demand.

Intel Shares Surge As New CEO Plans Major Overhaul: What's Going On?

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) shares are trading higher Monday following reports that incoming CEO Lip-Bu Tan is preparing a sweeping overhaul of the company's chip design, manufacturing operations and AI strategy.

Forget M.A.G.A. -- Get Ready for M.A.W.A. - Ad

Trump's new mission: Make America Wealthy Again. And according to ex-CIA advisor Jim Rickards, the U.S. is sitting on a $150 trillion fortune--enough to make every family millionaires. Discover how this hidden wealth could soon change everything.

A New Hampshire ski resort bets on tech to compete with industry giants

JACKSON, N.H. (AP) — A skier since age 4, Thomas Brennick now enjoys regular trips to New Hampshire’s Black Mountain with his two grandchildren.

The Most Important "AI Stock" You've Never Heard Of - Ad

The AI revolution is moving faster than anyone expected. But what no one is talking about is the one company AI simply can't exist without. It may be the single most important AI investment, yet most people don't even know its name. For now. The moment Wall Street catches on, this $20 stock could explode.

10 IRA mistakes to avoid

From contributions to conversions to distributions, don’t fall into these traps when managing your IRA.

Mohamed El-Erian Says 'Fed Put' Optimism Rises As Inflation Cools - But 'Trump Put' Hopes Are Shaken

U.S. markets rallied on Wednesday after February's inflation report came in softer than anticipated, bolstering expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts while investors reassess the economic impact of President Donald Trump administration's policies.

Hate Elon? Read Immediately - Ad

Elon Musk is days away from launching the most radical economic transformation in American history. Please understand... you don't have long to act before Elon makes his move. Inside the next 100 days, I predict he's going to instigate an economic transformation that'll impact hundreds of millions of people.

Supreme Court seems likely to side with Catholic Charities in religious-rights case

WASHINGTON (AP) — The appeared Monday to be leaning toward a Catholic charitable organization pushing back against the state of Wisconsin in the latest religious rights to come before the court.

Asian shares advance, despite Wall Street's tumble, as China pledges to boost consumer spending

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian markets advanced Friday, shrugging off another decline on Wall Street, with markets in China gaining after state-run banks and other financial institutions were ordered to do more to help spur more consumer spending.

Brace Yourself for Jeff Bezos' "Amazon Helios" - Ad

Amazon delivers 20 million packages a day... powers some of the most popular websites... delivers medication to half of the U.S. population... and even produces award-winning films and TV shows. But a Wall Street legend -- twice featured on 60 Minutes -- predicts that "Amazon Helios" will be bigger than all of those... COMBINED.

The Billionaire Bet That Could Change Uranium Forever - Ad

The world's richest investors--Gates, Bezos, Altman--are pouring billions into nuclear energy. With uranium demand surging, one tiny uranium junior could potentially be the next big winner.

Trump's 'Liberation Day' is unlikely to free businesses from uncertainty surrounding trade policy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his tariff announcements slated for Wednesday will amount to a for the United States. But American businesses and financial markets are unlikely to be freed from the uncertainty generated by his trade policy.

Bitcoin Vs. LUNR: Intuitive Machines Stock Might See Larger Price Swings Than BTC In Days Ahead

Space exploration company Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) has demonstrated high price volatility this year, dwarfing even Bitcoin’s (CRYPTO: BTC) fluctuations.

Defi Coin Triggers All "Buy" Signals and Could Break Out Soon - Ad

Some are calling this the most promising DeFi project since Ethereum itself. Here's the #1 DeFi Coin Set to Soar. While Bitcoin grabs headlines, this lesser known DeFi coin is quietly gearing up for a monster rally. Experts say now is the time to buy before it reaches escape velocity.

Elon Musk Warns Pentagon Leakers Following Exposé on Alleged Secret China War Briefing: 'They Will Be Found'

Elon Musk has issued a public threat to Pentagon employees suspected of leaking information about an alleged briefing on sensitive materials involving a potential U.S. war with China.

Trump's New Drug Czar: Cannabis Is 'Fantastic' For People With Serious Illnesses

Trump appoints journalist Sara Carter as new director of Office of National Drug Control Policy, praising her for exposing criminals and supporting medical marijuana.

New "Trump" Currency Proposed in DC - Ad

A new Executive Order could unlock a $150 trillion hidden asset--and spark a historic boom in one overlooked corner of the market. Jim Rickards reveals the full story--before it hits front-page news. Watch now before it's too late!

A government program made tax filing free and more efficient. Musk and DOGE may get rid of it anyway

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mia Francis, a 22-year-old barista from Boston, filed her taxes on her own this year for the first time, using a free government tax filing program that made it easy because it did most of the work for her.

Will Trump's tariff wars with Canada and Mexico affect the 2026 World Cup or 2028 LA Olympics?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Seven years ago, when a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico was awarded the , rifts created by tariffs — yes, back then, too! — and a proposed border wall were glossed over because of the neighbors’ longstanding political and economic alliances.

Warren Buffett Bets $40 Billion--You Can Get In for $20 - Ad

I called the AI boom early--before ChatGPT. While others lost big, my readers saw gains up to 502%. Now I've found a new under-$20 stock I'm calling The Last Retirement Stock You'll Ever Need. Buffett owns $40B in this sector.

Mark Cuban Calls Out Elon Musk Over DOGE Productivity Emails: 'Already Forgotten. Typical. Ready Fire Aim.'

Mark Cuban has raised questions about Elon Musk's silence regarding the productivity emails that the White House DOGE office required federal employees to submit last month.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright trendadvisor.net
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service