Babygirl

Didn't really expect to like this one but I actually really did find it quite captivating. It was fascinating to explore the power struggle in the very intense dynamic between the two leads. Both turning in very good performances, particularly Nicole Kidman. She was excellent here. I will say though, that it does at times feel like it, perhaps unintentionally, glamorizes this exploitive power dynamic when I was utterly disturbed, even though I do think it is at the same trying to disturb you and is quite effective at that. I don't think it was intentional but it sometimes came across that way and it just felt a bit gross at times and not always in a good way, but I don't think it ever goes too far. I do appreciate that the sex scenes are handled, for the most part, in less of a sexy way and more of a tasteful and even clinical way. It really ensures the film doesn't go too far to romanticize a dynamic that is a bit degrading and dehumanizing, though at times, as I mentioned it does occasionally step on that line and can end up feeling like the film itself is a bit degrading. For the most part, it's fine there. I appreciate the effort made here. It feels ambitious, which ambition often will have you pushing the edge a bit. Sometimes it works to the films favor, other times it doesn't. In this case, it mostly works. One thing that I actually really think elevated this film, on top of the great performances, was the score. It really gave the film this intense energy and really added to the disturbing effect that the film has. I'll also add is I'm always nervous in these type of movies that they end up justifying being unfaithful, though it made me nervous, it at least ends in a place that feels satisfying. Overall I really think this was quite a solid film, not always completely effective in it's handling of the subject matter, but the characters, performances and overall story are more than compelling enough to make this film worth watching. 8/10