Understanding Babygirl’s Milk Scene: Romy’s Consumption and Its Deeper Significance

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Babygirl!

Among the film’s diverse array of peculiar moments, the milk scene in Babygirl stands out as one of the most intriguingly bizarre episodes. This scene not only captures attention but also serves a deeper narrative purpose, as it showcases the complex dynamics between the main characters, Romy and Samuel. Throughout the film, these two are engaged in a psychological tug-of-war, attempting to navigate their secretive workplace romance while exerting dominance over one another. A pivotal moment unfolds when Samuel discreetly sends Romy a glass of milk during a bar outing, setting the stage for an escalation in their relationship.

Directed by Halina Reijn, fresh off her 2022 hit Bodies Bodies Bodies, Babygirl has garnered critical acclaim since its 2024 release. The plot centers on Romy Mathis, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, a high-powered executive in a tech firm, who finds herself embroiled in a morally ambiguous relationship with her intern, Samuel. Despite being acutely aware of the potential fallout from their affair, Romy and Samuel dive deeper into their passionate connection.

Samuel Orders Romy A Glass Of Milk At A Bar

And She Drinks The Whole Thing

The milk scene serves as a turning point in the evolving relationship between Romy and Samuel. It transpires shortly after their first kiss at the office. During a night out with colleagues, Romy spies Samuel across the bar, and though they don’t engage in conversation, their shared glance is electrifying. When a server delivers an unsolicited glass of milk to Romy, claiming it was purchased by an admirer, her friends express concern over its origin. Yet, Romy is undeterred.

Instantly recognizing Samuel’s involvement, she pours the milk down as they share a knowing gaze. Just before departing, Samuel leans in to whisper, “good girl,”marking a significant moment in their interaction. While the exchange might appear innocent, it serves as a high-stakes test that intensifies the already charged atmosphere between them. Samuel’s act of sending the milk, combined with Romy’s willingness to drink it, embodies the underlying themes of power and submission present throughout Babygirl.

Romy Drinking The Milk Is A Test From Samuel

He is Seeing If She Will Listen to Him

Although Romy’s friends are oblivious to the complexity of the situation, it’s apparent that the act of drinking the milk is a litmus test orchestrated by Samuel. Early in their dynamic, Samuel establishes that submission to his requests is essential for their relationship to flourish. Initially resistant, Romy eventually embraces this aspect, which adds to the palpable tension that defines Babygirl.

By sending the milk, Samuel probes Romy’s willingness to comply, signifying his control. Her decision to drink it not only affirms his authority but also suggests that their relationship can advance further. This scene sets the precedent for escalating interactions for the remainder of the film. The choice of a public setting for this test also amplifies its significance; Romy’s willingness to venture risks, jeopardizing her secrecy for the thrill of their romance, is part of what makes their connection exhilarating for her.

The Real Meaning of Babygirl‘s Milk Scene

According to the Director

Director Halina Reijn offers insight into the milk scene’s significance. In a conversation with IndieWire, she describes the scene as emblematic of humanity’s primal instincts. She draws parallels to other films where milk is consumed by characters with darker traits, mentioning titles such as A Clockwork Orange and No Country for Old Men. This unsettling imagery comments on the contrast between milk’s associations with purity and the moral ambiguities of the individuals engaging with it.

The act of Romy consuming the milk, a drink characterized by its innocence, juxtaposes against her willingness to compromise her professional integrity for her relationship with Samuel. This dissonance highlights her hidden darker impulses that threaten her stability and familial relationships.

Babygirl‘s Milk Scene Is Based On A True Story Involving the Director

Someone Really Ordered Her A Glass Of Milk

Interestingly, this memorable scene is rooted in a true anecdote from Halina Reijn’s own life. In her discussion with IndieWire, she recounts an experience after performing in Belgium when she found herself alone at a bar after her friends declined to join her. There, she encountered a younger, famous Belgian actor who surprised her by ordering a glass of milk.

“The milk is, of course, an archetype. We’ve seen it in other movies. It is a great symbol of animalistic sides of ourselves. It happened to me. I was playing in Belgium onstage, and I got offstage, and I had a really good run… I went to a bar, and I ordered something boring like a Diet Coke… There was this young Belgian actor — I can’t say who it is — but he was famous… He ordered me a glass of milk. I thought it was an incredible, hot thing to do, and so courageous, and so I wanted to reward him by drinking the whole thing, and I did.”

Reijn characterized the young actor’s gesture as enticing, stating that she felt compelled to reward his boldness by drinking the milk entirely, even mentioning that it made her feel somewhat ill afterward. This real-life incident inspired the striking milk scene in Babygirl, seamlessly intertwining personal experience with the film’s central themes of desire, power dynamics, and the allure of secrecy. Thus, while it may appear as one of Babygirl‘s strangest moments, it is profoundly significant, reflecting the intricacies of adult relationships.

Source: IndieWire

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