Nadira Goffe, a Slate culture writer known for her keen insights, joins the discussion to dive into the provocative themes of two films. They unpack 'Babygirl,' delving into its complex portrayal of sexuality and power dynamics, and then explore 'Nickel Boys,' highlighting its innovative first-person narrative that reveals the harsh realities of a notorious reform school. The trio also tackles the legal and PR drama surrounding Blake Lively, reflecting on celebrity cultures and the implications of media narratives. Plus, they share personal insights on the challenges of recent L.A. wildfires.
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Romy's Secret
Romy, played by Nicole Kidman, is a successful CEO who seems fulfilled.
However, she secretly seeks BDSM porn, highlighting a hidden desire.
insights INSIGHT
Automation Lament
Julia Turner found Babygirl grim and erotic.
She theorizes the film, about sex, is actually a lament about automation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Shame and Desire
Nadira Goffe loved Babygirl's nuanced portrayal of shame and desire.
Harris Dickinson's shirtless dance to "Father Figure" is memorable.
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The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy. There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma. It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.
On this week’s show, Slate staff writer Nadira Goffe sits in for Stephen. First, the panel explores Babygirland its kinks. The latest feature from Dutch writer-director Halina Reijn stars Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, and is fascinated by sex (mostly, as a concept.) Then, the three puzzle over Nickel Boys and the film’s audacious use of first-person point-of-view in filmmaker RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Nickel Boys. Finally, what does a Hollywood smear campaign look like? The trio discusses the messy legal and PR conflict embroiling Blake Lively and former It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, the panel checks in with Julia and production assistant Kat, as they share their experiences of the L.A. wildfires.
Culture Gabfest 