Babygirl’s Closing Scene Artfully Reflects the Opening Moments

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Babygirl, currently showing in theaters.

Directed by Halina Reijn, Babygirl stars Nicole Kidman in a compelling erotic thriller that deeply investigates the intricacies of female sexuality. The film instantly captures this important theme in its opening scene, where Romy shares an intimate moment with her husband, Jacob. However, this intimacy is contrasted later with Romy’s real experiences of pleasure, illuminating the performative aspect of her marriage.

Despite a mixed reception reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score, the film effectively navigates important themes through its storytelling structure. The initial glimpse into Romy’s suppressed desires serves as a poignant introduction to her journey of self-discovery and the quest for genuine intimacy.

A Performative Opening Scene

Intimacy Reflects the Male Gaze

According to Halina Reijn, the film addresses “the orgasm gap” experienced by women compared to their male counterparts (IndieWire). In the opening scene, the visuals cater predominantly to the male perspective, suggesting a disconnection in Romy’s authentic experience. After the scene, her act of secretly watching porn provides a glimpse into a marriage marked by imbalance and secrecy regarding sexual fulfillment.

The initial portrayal of intimacy quickly reveals a deeper issue of authenticity for Romy. Her forced performance during their intimate moment is highlighted by her choice to engage in stereotypical domestic tasks—like wearing a frilly apron while preparing lunches for her daughters—only to have Jacob react negatively. This portrayal hints at the weight of societal expectations placed upon her.

As the narrative unfolds, the tension between Romy’s public persona and her private self becomes increasingly evident, prompting audiences to reconsider the implications of her performative identity.

Romy’s Transformative Journey

Growth Highlighted in the Final Scene

Following the opening scene, the narrative of Babygirl dramatically shifts. Romy’s hidden fantasies evolve, revealing increasing tension between her familial responsibilities and her sexual identity. This conflict forms the crux of the film’s erotic thriller essence, although it concludes on a note of empowerment with Romy’s evolution.

The closing scene mirrors the intimate opening but showcases Romy’s newfound authenticity. After nearly two decades of marriage, she experiences a genuine orgasm with Jacob, marking a stark contrast to the performative act presented early in the film. This final moment symbolically illustrates their character growth and relationship development, despite the complexities introduced by Romy’s fantasies and previous experiences.

In its conclusion, Babygirl offers a hopeful message regarding the pursuit of genuine intimacy and self-acceptance in relationships.

Source: IndieWire

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