Writer: Ersilia Pompilio, Editor in Chief
Described as a provocative erotic thriller, Baby Girl opens with a bold and sizzling scene that sets the tone for the entire film. We are thrust into a charged moment between Romy (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas), as their intense, passionate love making encounter unfolds with Romy in control and on top. This fiery introduction swiftly hints at the film's exploration of power dynamics, desire, and taboo.
The story centers around Romy Mathis, a successful, high-powered CEO of a cutting-edge tech company in New York, who finds herself caught in a dangerous web of infidelity. As she embarks on a steamy affair with a mysterious and ambitious young intern, Romy risks everything—her career, her family, and her carefully constructed life—driven by a longing for something beyond the limits of her control.
“It’s not a film about sex. It’s a film about someone who wants to destroy her life and be born again.” Halina Rejin, director of Baby Girl explains the true message of her film at the 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival talking picture session after the film screening.
Nicole Kidman, sitting alongside Halina Rejin on stage, describes the Baby Girl script as "mesmerizing" and "pioneering."
“I hadn’t seen a script where a film follows a woman through only 'her' story as she goes through an existential crisis not sure of what she really wants. She’s achieved so much. Her life looks perfect. Yet she’s restless.”
Nicole goes on to say that she “loved the idea of exploring ‘why’ Romy was so restless and was curious to know what was going to happen” which was a part of the reason she accepted the role. Both Nicole and Halina gushed on stage as they talked about Baby Girl’s early drafts of the script and how both artists wanted the same thing for the film.
There Are No Coincidences
"I used to channel Nicole’s acting style when I performed on stage," Halina mused, reflecting on her theater career. She spoke of embodying iconic roles like Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, and how she was able to infuse elements of those performances into her screenwriting.
Perhaps it’s no mere coincidence that the film is titled Baby Girl. After all, Nicole Kidman’s real-life husband, Keith Urban, lovingly calls her "baby girl" during his acceptance speeches at the Country Music Awards, dedicating his wins to her with a heartfelt affection that feels both intimate and public. This endearing nickname seems to echo through the film’s title, adding an extra layer of personal connection and allure. Nicole further confessed that her husband also has ‘baby girl’ tattooed on his neck.
Nicole describes it all as 'kismet,' but in reality, it seems like Halina was meticulously observing and absorbing key aspects of Nicole Kidman’s life and incorporated them in Baby Girl.
CEO, Mother, Lover
Baby Girl delves into the question of identity: When are you truly yourself, and what does it even mean to be authentic? It blurs the lines between reality and illusion, challenging what is real and what is fabricated.
Romy embodies the ideal mother, the flawless leader, and the perfect lover. At its core, the film touches on themes reminiscent of Pedro Almodóvar’s 1999 film All About My Mother, which is ironically being showcased at this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival.
It’s All About Performance
The movie is all about performance," Hallina Rejin explains, as the audience bursts into laughter when she states: "It begins with a fake orgasm and ends with a real one." Without spoiling too much, Baby Girl indeed follows a full-circle narrative structure, taking the audience on a journey of transformation.
As the film unfolds, Romy reveals that her name was bestowed upon her by a guru and that she was raised in a commune. There are also scenes where Romy is going through EMDR trauma therapy. Ironically, Hallina’s own upbringing mirrors this, as her parents were artists who embraced the teachings of anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner, while also being part of the Subud spiritual movement.
In casting for the role of the young intern, Samuel, Hallina shared that she sought an actor who would make Romy feel both “safe” and “seen.” Harris Dickinson proved to be the ideal choice, infusing the character with a dark humor that effectively broke the fourth wall. Nicole Kidman added that Harris was exceptionally present on screen, noting his remarkable ability to seamlessly shift between intense masculinity and the innocent charm of a young boy.
The Moments That Made Her Cry = Vulnerability
“This is not about losing something. This is about gaining something. This is about love and long-term relationships” explains Nicole Kidman as she talks about how Baby Girl was “new” territory for her.
The film required a unique crew to authentically capture the rawness of Romy’s journey. There were no gratuitous, "bra-on" sex scenes, and the team had to be deeply empathetic and respectful throughout the process, ensuring a thoughtful and dignified approach to every moment on set.
At one point, Nicole described feeling deeply intertwined to the soul of her character, Romy, on set, likening the experience to witnessing a "spiritual ritual." "The moments of vulnerability on set are what brought me to tears behind the camera," Halina Rejin confesses.
When Nicole Kidman was asked if she would ever want to portray Romy’s life in another existence, she firmly responded, “No!” However, she admitted that she would gladly embrace the line, “If I’m going to solicit sex, I can pay for it,” spoken when Romy’s male corporate counterpart hints at a sexual encounter. I must say that quote is undeniably brilliant.
Impeccable Writing and Award-Winning Acting
Baby Girl undoubtedly showcases impeccable writing, brought to life by a cast of award-winning actors. As the film comes full circle, ending where it began, we are left with Jacob’s unforgettable final words—delivered by Romy's husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas): “I’m going to be who I’m going to be, and I want you to be who you’re going to be in order for me to love you.”
Baby Girl is a must-see film, and I'm already envisioning an Oscar win for both Nicole and Halina.
About the Author: Ersilia Pompilio
Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor in Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure. With over two decades of experience in performing, producing live storytelling shows, and hosting a podcast, she has also taught storytelling classes and written professionally for several media outlets. Originally from Los Angeles, Ersilia is also a twenty-year resident of Palm Springs, California.
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