‘Babygirl’ Director Wants Women Not to Suppress Their Beast
Jan 21, 2025
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Halina Reijn, a Dutch filmmaker and actress known for her work in 'Babygirl' and 'Bodies, Bodies, Bodies', shares her insights on navigating female desires and authenticity in film. She discusses the primal versus civilized aspects of women's identities and the importance of open conversations about sexual agency. Halina also reflects on the pressures of conformity in the entertainment industry, the complexities of intimacy in modern relationships, and her creative journey within the U.S. film scene.
Halina Reijn explores the primal forces within women, emphasizing the importance of expressing sexual desires openly and honestly.
The film 'Babygirl' ultimately challenges societal constraints on women's sexuality, urging a dialogue around pleasure and intimacy.
Reijn's transition from acting to directing reflects her commitment to portraying authentic female experiences and elevating narratives about female empowerment.
Deep dives
The Experience of Watching 'Baby Girl'
Watching 'Baby Girl' in a movie theater provokes a unique experience, particularly for those who choose to view it alone. The film centers on themes of pleasure, sexual experimentation, and the embarrassment that can accompany such topics. The protagonist, Romy, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, leads a seemingly perfect life but finds her sex life lacking until she encounters a bold intern who awakens her desires. This scenario underscores the complexities of personal exploration, prompting viewers to reflect on their own feelings about intimacy, desire, and societal expectations.
Romy's Journey and the Role of Desire
Romy's character evolves as she navigates her attraction to a younger intern, emphasizing themes of dominance and submission within desire. Their connection is illustrated in a significant scene where the intern orders a glass of milk for Romy from across the bar, encapsulating the dynamics of control and flirtation. As Romy grapples with her needs, the film highlights the often unspoken desires women hold and the challenges they face in expressing them. Ultimately, 'Baby Girl' serves as a commentary on women's sexuality and the societal constraints that hinder open discussions about pleasure.
Helena Raine's Creative Vision
Helena Raine, the film's writer and director, brings an innovative perspective to her storytelling, aiming to challenge the traditional narratives found in cinema. She shares her own journey away from the confines of classical theater, where she often felt stifled by rigid structures and repetitive roles. Raine's transition into directing originates from a desire to explore authentic female experiences and elevate narratives about female pleasure and empowerment. This transition reflects her commitment to creating nuanced characters and stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
Reflections on Body Image and Authenticity
Throughout the podcast, Raine candidly discusses her struggles with body image and the societal pressures women face to conform to certain standards. She reflects on her upbringing in a community that celebrated individualism and personal expression but later encountered harsh realities upon entering the public sphere. The importance of honest conversations about self-acceptance and desire emerges as a crucial theme, underpinning the film's exploration of vulnerability and authenticity. Raine emphasizes that acknowledging and embracing one's own desires can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.
The Power of Female Storytelling
The conversation circles back to the broader implications of women creating their own narratives in film and media. Raine advocates for the necessity of female perspectives in storytelling that challenge patriarchal norms and highlight women's complexities. By addressing themes of sexual agency, control, and the competing forces of civilization and primal instincts, the film encourages viewers to examine their own desires and the cultural narratives that shape them. 'Baby Girl' ultimately serves as a platform that fosters dialogue around the intricacies of women's experiences and aspirations.
Babygirl, the new erotic thriller starring Nicole Kidman, features an age-gap romance and a power imbalance. But according to the filmmaker Halina Reijn, it’s more about “what part of us is civilized…and what part of us is still driven by primal forces.” It’s also extremely entertaining, sexy, and dryly hilarious.
This week, Halina Reijn talks about why she wrote the movie, her decision to move away from a very successful and decades-long acting career, and her mission to get us all talking more openly about our sexual desires.
Podcast production by Cameron Drews.
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