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

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.

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

Scaramucci Says Trump Is Souring on VP Vance: 'The President Will Make Him More Irrelevant'

Anthony Scaramucci predicts a political tumble for Vice President Vance, suggesting that President  Trump is increasingly discontented with him.

Apple Labor Cases Frozen By NLRB After Trump Nominates Company's Attorney As General Counsel: Report

The National Labor Relations Board has frozen two cases against Apple Inc. days after President Donald Trump nominated Crystal Carey, an attorney representing the tech giant, to be the agency's general counsel.

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

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!

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.

Elon's Biggest Secret Could Save Your Retirement - Ad

From a near-fatal car crash to surviving deadly malaria, Musk's fearless drive built Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink. Now, he's warning America--and smart investors are listening. Discover the Trump IRS Loophole to protect your IRA & 401(k).

Amtrak CEO abruptly resigns from the nation's passenger railroad

NEW YORK (AP) — Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner abruptly resigned from his top post at the U.S. passenger railroad this week.

Meta Planning To Drop $1,000 Smart Glasses With Hand Gesture Control As It Takes On Apple: Report

Meta is set to launch its $1,000+ smart glasses, Hypernova, featuring a monocular display and hand-gesture controls, to compete with Apple's AR ambitions and challenge its high-priced Vision Pro headset.

Warren Buffett's Investing Partner's Shocking Final Move - Ad

Before he passed away, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's investing partner of 60 years, was rumored to have quietly made one final investment... Up until now, it has remained hidden from the public. It's potentially the smartest, most profitable, and most under-valued AI investment you can make today.

Johnson & Johnson's Golden Cross: Technical Momentum Meets Groundbreaking Lung Cancer Breakthrough

JNJ stock hits Golden Cross, signaling potential long-term upside. Latest breakthrough in lung cancer treatment could provide additional catalyst.

Elon Musk sells X to his own xAI for $33 billion in all-stock deal

Elon Musk has sold social media site X to his own xAI artificial intelligence company in a $33 billion all-stock deal, the billionaire announced on Friday.

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.

10 IRA mistakes to avoid

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

Defense Secretary Hegseth Under Fire for Bringing Wife To High-Level Security Meetings

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly been taking his wife to high-level foreign meetings where sensitive information was discussed.

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.

Financial Crime Weekly: Toyota Subsidiary To Pay Over $1.6 Billion For Emissions Fraud Scheme

Toyota subsidiary, Hino Motors, ordered to pay more than $1.6 billion in penalties related to an emissions fraud scheme.

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.

Tesla is suing to open dealerships in Wisconsin. It's become a big deal in the Supreme Court race

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Tesla CEO Elon Musk and political groups he backs are pouring millions of dollars into the race for a seat on as the electric vehicle company sues to overturn a state law that prevents it from opening dealerships — a case that eventually could make its way to the high court.

States team up to defend green transportation projects targeted by Trump

CHICAGO (AP) — Hundreds of bicycle advocates were at an annual summit this month in Washington, D.C., when their cellphones lit up over breakfast with an urgent email warning that President Donald Trump's had just halted federal for bike lanes.

Crypto Does WHAT to Retirement Accounts? - Ad

If you're thinking about retirement... THIS is what crypto does to retirement accounts. Best-selling author and hedge fund manager James Altucher reveals the details.

Critics warn staff cuts at federal agencies overseeing US dams could put public safety at risk

COULEE DAM, Wash. (AP) — Trump administration workforce cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams are threatening their ability to provide reliable electricity, supply farmers with water and protect communities from floods, employees and industry experts warn.

Judge blocks imports of some Chilean sea bass from Antarctica in fishing feud at bottom of the world

MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has blocked the imports of a high-priced fish from protected waters near Antarctica, siding with U.S. regulators who argued they were required to block imports amid a diplomatic feud triggered by Russia's obstruction of longstanding conservation efforts at the bottom of the world.

The DOGE Shock: Nine Stocks to Buy - Ad

They say that DOGE's real agenda could shock the entire stock market in the coming days - sending a handful of widely unknown stocks soaring. And they've compiled the definitive investment playbook for anyone who wants the opportunity to capitalize.

Trump Pardons Nikola Founder Trevor Milton, Short Seller Jim Chanos Reacts: 'Please Tell Me This Is A Hoax'

Short seller Jim Chanos expressed disbelief Thursday following news that former Nikola Corp. founder Trevor Milton had received a full and unconditional pardon from former President Donald Trump. "Please tell me this is a hoax," Chanos wrote on X, reacting to the decision.

Aircraft catches fire after landing in Denver, sending passengers onto wing as smoke engulfs plane

DENVER (AP) — A after it diverted mid-flight and landed at Denver International Airport sent fleeing passengers to a wing amid billowing clouds of smoke. Airport officials said 12 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.

Maverick Trader Reveals 97% Accurate System - Ad

This man's simple strategy makes money in any market...With a 97% accuracy at hitting winners over the past 8 years!

Anthony Scaramucci Hates It When Trump Pumps His Own Coin, But Loves The President's Bitcoin Moves — This Complex Crypto Relationship Decoded

Anthony Scaramucci, an influential cryptocurrency advocate and founder of investment firm SkyBridge Capital, has alternated between supporting President Donald Trump's pro-cryptocurrency pivot and warning of the potential pitfalls of some of his decisions.

Edmunds small sedan test: 2025 Honda Civic vs. Kia K4

When budgets are tight, it’s hard to beat a small sedan for value. Better yet, the modern models in the class are stylish, roomy and technologically advanced. The is one of the most popular models on sale, and it faces new competition from the , which replaces the previous Forte in that automaker’s lineup. How well does the K4 stack up? Edmunds compared the new K4 with the benchmark Civic to find out.

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...

Sam Altman-Led OpenAI Releases Open-Weight AI Model With Reasoning Capabilities As DeepSeek And Meta Taste Success

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the release of a new open-weight language model with reasoning capabilities, set to be the first since GPT-2, offering developers the ability to fine-tune the model for specific tasks, with feedback events planned globally.

Buffett's $29B Oil Bet--Here's How to Earn 22% Yields Monthly - Ad

Buffett is loading up on oil stocks--10% of his portfolio is now in energy. But while he earns modest dividends, we've found an ETF yielding 22% annually with monthly payouts! Get the full details now--before the next oil surge!

PEPE Outgains Dogecoin, Shiba Inu With 4% Rally But Mixed Signals Emerge On Next Moves

Pepe (CRYPTO: PEPE) topped the meme coin charts on Monday, outshining heavyweights like Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) and Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB).

A river 'died' overnight in Zambia after an acidic waste spill at a Chinese-owned mine

KITWE, Zambia (AP) — Authorities and environmentalists fear the long-term impact of an acid spill at a mine that contaminated a major river and could potentially affect millions of people after signs of pollution were detected at least 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream.

No.1 Opportunity for 2025 [Take Action Now!] - Ad

Starlink's potential IPO Could Be the Biggest in History--Silicon Valley insider James Altucher has uncovered a way to profit BEFORE the IPO--with as little as $50. Musk's $180B giant is set to launch--will you miss out? Claim your spot before it's too late.

Trump's Crypto Boom: The Hidden Opportunity in Today's Dip - Ad

Few realize Trump is systematically engineering a massive wealth transfer through crypto. His team is dismantling barriers, creating a national reserve, and setting the stage for an unprecedented bull run. This temporary price dip is the perfect entry window.

Palantir's Warp Speed Gains Momentum: Six New Customers Onboard

Palantir announced six new customers adopting Warp Speed, including Epirus, Red Cat, Saildrone, Saronic, Ursa Major, and SNC. Warp Speed improves production planning and AI command and control at the edge.

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