Babygirl.

The premise is rather simple - an older CEO, played by Nicole Kidman, soon finds out that one of the new Interns (Harris Dickinson) can tame dogs with a stern hand — which is code for ‘He’s a Dom’. They start an affair - Miss CEO, real name Romy, wants to be a Sub, so it all works out.

The film takes a while to set this all up, trying to mimic how real world D/s dynamics come about outside of Kink clubs and Fetlife (don’t ask me questions you don’t want the answers to), but also trying to highlight the generational differences in approach to Kink. The younger generation have been teaching themselves on the internet, but the older generation have an aversion, and a stigma, against it.

Once Babygirl starts asking questions about that shame and stigma, the ball really starts rolling down the hill. High level conversations about female sexuality and power dynamics are explored, and I think there is both a pointing gesture — someone, please, look at this! This is important! — but also a fantastic resolution to the story that’s bittersweet, true to life, and a little uplifting.

I deeply enjoyed ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’, and now Babygirl can be added to the roster. Halina Reijn has a knack for scooping away the fascade and getting to the raw side of female relationships.