A recent surge in films portrays middle-aged women engaging in relationships with significantly younger men, challenging conventional cinematic norms and societal expectations. In 2024 alone, ”The Idea of You” starring Anne Hathaway, ”Lonely Planet” with Laura Dern, and Nicole Kidman in ”A Family Affair” all depicted such relationships, defying age-related stereotypes and exploring the complexities of desire across generational divides. While these films offer unique perspectives, ”Babygirl,” featuring Nicole Kidman as a successful tech CEO entangled in an affair with a young intern, stands out due to its explicit depiction of power dynamics and sexual exploration.
”Babygirl” pushes boundaries further than its contemporaries, not simply through explicit scenes but by explicitly showcasing the inherent power imbalance between a high-ranking executive and a subordinate. The film subverts traditional hierarchies by presenting a powerful woman embracing submission in her sexual role-play, a dynamic rarely depicted on screen. While the allure of a dominant woman relinquishing control in the bedroom might be captivating, it’s not novel in itself. The true intrigue lies in the film’s exploration of how play facilitates a rediscovery of self and a liberation from societal constraints, exemplified by Kidman’s character, Romy.
This theme of transformative play extends beyond ”Babygirl” and finds resonance in other contemporary films. Ernst De Geer’s award-winning ”Hypnos” follows Vera, a woman who undergoes hypnosis to quit smoking but instead embarks on a journey of uninhibited self-expression. Through seemingly childish behavior, like adopting an imaginary dog, Vera achieves a newfound sense of self-acceptance, even though her actions alienate her boyfriend. The film highlights how play, even when unconventional, can be a pathway to self-discovery and liberation from societal norms.
The concept of play as a tool for self-discovery is further emphasized by drawing parallels with the artistic work of Anna Odell, particularly her film ”X&Y.” Odell’s work frequently challenges boundaries, exploring themes of power versus powerlessness, control versus chaos, and the reclaiming of personal narratives. Similarly, ”Babygirl,” ”Hypnos,” and ”X&Y” all delve into the internal and external perceptions of female identity, with the protagonists using play as a means of deconstructing and reconstructing their sense of self, exploring the multifaceted nature of womanhood across past, present, and future selves.
These narratives echo the theories of Donald Winnicott, a renowned child psychoanalyst, who posited that play is essential for creativity and self-discovery. Winnicott’s concept of the ”transitional space,” the intersection between the inner world of imagination and the external reality, is crucial for understanding the transformative power of play. It is within this space that individuals grapple with their identity and place in the world, asking: “Who am I, and who am I not?” Play, in this context, becomes the instrument for exploring these questions, facilitating a deeper understanding of both oneself and the world. However, as Winnicott emphasizes, this exploration requires a supportive other who accepts and validates the expression that emerges within the play. Within this shared space, there is no right or wrong, only the freedom to explore.
Therefore, personal growth through play necessitates a counterpart who can engage within that transitional space. In ”Hypnos,” Vera finds this connection with André, her boyfriend, once he accepts her unconventional expression. In ”Babygirl,” Romy finds this crucial connection not with her husband but with her younger lover, Samuel. This dynamic, the shared exploration of self through play, rather than simply the reversal of age-related power dynamics, is the truly significant aspect of these narratives. The hope is not simply to see more older women in relationships with younger men, but to witness more portrayals of women embracing play and imagination as tools for self-discovery and liberation, ultimately achieving a more profound understanding of their own identities.
