Babygirl (2024)

Babygirl Ending Explained: Romy & Samuel’s Relationship and Its Implications

Halina Reijn’s Babygirl is a provocative and emotionally layered erotic thriller that explores themes of power, control, and self-acceptance. Starring Nicole Kidman as Romy, a high-powered CEO, and Harris Dickinson as Samuel, a bold young intern, the film examines how personal frustrations and hidden desires can lead to life-altering decisions. Here, we dive into the film’s ending and its broader implications for its central characters.

Why Romy Hooks Up With Samuel in Babygirl

Personal Frustrations Lead to an Unexpected Attraction

At the heart of Babygirl is Romy’s dissatisfaction with her seemingly perfect life. Despite her successful career at Tensile Automation, a cutting-edge tech company, and a stable family life with her husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas), Romy feels trapped by the expectations she has placed on herself. Her sexual frustration becomes evident early on, as she turns to domination-themed pornography to fulfill desires she cannot express within her marriage.

Samuel’s entrance into her life offers an outlet for these repressed feelings. His casual dominance and fearless demeanor contrast sharply with the controlled and polished world Romy inhabits. Their affair is as much about breaking free from her personal and professional monotony as it is about physical attraction. Through Samuel, Romy explores a side of herself she has long denied, shedding her roles as a mother, wife, and CEO.

How Romy’s Childhood Influences Her Relationships

Repressed Desires and Long-Standing Fantasies

Romy’s fascination with domination stems from her youth, where such fantasies took root. Although the film doesn’t explicitly delve into specific formative experiences, it’s clear that Romy’s inability to embrace her desires has left her unfulfilled. Her relationship with Jacob, while loving, lacks the intensity she craves. This internal conflict becomes the driving force behind her risky affair with Samuel.

Who Finds Out About Romy’s Affair?

The Fallout of Truth

As Romy’s affair with Samuel intensifies, the truth inevitably begins to unravel her carefully constructed life. Her husband Jacob confronts her after discovering the infidelity, forcing Romy to reassess her priorities. Meanwhile, Samuel’s involvement with other characters, such as Esme (Sophie Wilde), highlights the complexity of his motivations and his lack of long-term commitment to Romy.

Does Samuel Truly Love Romy?

A Relationship Rooted in Power Dynamics

Samuel’s feelings for Romy are enigmatic. Initially, his interest appears to stem from a desire to challenge and control her. His actions—such as setting rules for their encounters and ending the relationship when Romy tries to impose boundaries—reveal a reluctance for emotional vulnerability. However, as their connection deepens, glimpses of genuine affection emerge. Still, Samuel’s simultaneous relationship with Esme suggests his inability to fully commit to Romy.

How Romy’s Journey Reflects Her Daughter’s Romance

Romy’s experiences parallel those of her daughter Isabel (Esther McGregor), who faces her own challenges in navigating relationships. The generational mirroring emphasizes the film’s broader themes of honesty, self-discovery, and the complexities of desire.

The Real Meaning of Babygirl

Self-Acceptance Without Sacrifice

By the end of Babygirl, Romy achieves a sense of self-acceptance. She opens up to Jacob about her desires, leading to a more honest and fulfilling dynamic within their marriage. Crucially, Romy’s affair with Samuel doesn’t cost her the life she has built; instead, it becomes a catalyst for personal growth. This resolution underscores the film’s message: embracing one’s true self doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning the foundations of one’s life.

Babygirl: A Fearless Exploration of Power and Vulnerability

Nicole Kidman delivers a fearless performance as Romy, embodying the tension between control and submission. Harris Dickinson’s Samuel, meanwhile, is a compelling counterpart, embodying the allure and danger of transgression. Halina Reijn’s direction deftly balances the film’s provocative elements with emotional depth, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

In Babygirl, the interplay of power dynamics—both in the office and the bedroom—serves as a microcosm of a society grappling with control and liberation. Through Romy’s journey, the film invites viewers to confront their own desires and the societal norms that shape them. It’s a bold and unapologetic exploration of the complexities of human relationships, making it a standout entry in the genre of erotic thrillers.