If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the buzz surrounding Babygirl—often referred to as the "baby girl movie." It’s that steamy, slightly uncomfortable, and highly debated A24 erotic thriller that has everyone talking. But while the plot—a high-powered CEO risking it all for an intern—is enough to spark a thousand think pieces, it’s the baby girl movie cast that truly carries the weight of this provocative story.
Honestly, casting can make or break a movie like this. If the chemistry isn't there, the whole thing just feels like a bad soap opera. Fortunately, director Halina Reijn didn't play it safe. She pulled together a mix of Hollywood royalty and rising indie darlings that makes the power dynamics feel incredibly real.
The Powerhouse Trio Leading the Baby Girl Movie Cast
At the center of everything is Nicole Kidman. She plays Romy, the CEO of a major robotics firm in New York. Kidman is no stranger to "exposed" roles—think Eyes Wide Shut—but here she plays a version of vulnerability that feels remarkably modern. She’s a woman who has everything on paper but realized she’s never actually had an orgasm in twenty-five years of marriage. That’s a heavy starting point for any character.
Then there’s Harris Dickinson as Samuel, the intern. You might recognize him from Triangle of Sadness or The Iron Claw. In this movie, he has to play a very specific type of Gen-Z confidence. He isn't just a "younger guy"; he’s someone who understands how to push Romy’s buttons without being a caricature. The age gap between Kidman and Dickinson is roughly 29 years in real life, and the movie leans into that friction.
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Rounding out the main triangle is Antonio Banderas. He plays Jacob, Romy’s husband. Banderas brings a sort of grounded, slightly oblivious warmth to the role of a theater director husband. It’s a far cry from his Desperado days, showing a man who genuinely loves his wife but is completely out of sync with her hidden desires.
Beyond the Leads: The Supporting Players
The baby girl movie cast isn't just about the three people on the poster. There are some really interesting choices in the supporting roles that add layers to the corporate and family drama.
- Sophie Wilde plays Esme, Romy’s assistant. If you saw the horror hit Talk to Me, you know she’s a powerhouse. Here, she represents the "new guard" in the office—someone who looks up to Romy but also poses a threat to her secret life.
- Esther McGregor (yes, Ewan’s daughter) and Vaughan Reilly play the daughters, Isabel and Nora. Their presence in the film is vital because they represent what Romy stands to lose. It’s easy to have an affair when you’re single; it’s a whole different story when you’re hosting birthday parties for your kids while your lover is in the next room.
- Jean Reno makes an appearance as well. Having a legend like the Léon: The Professional star in the mix gives the film an extra layer of prestige.
Why This Specific Cast Works (And Why It Almost Didn't)
Halina Reijn has mentioned in interviews that she wanted to explore female masochism and the "shame" associated with desire. To do that, she needed actors who wouldn't blink. Kidman has admitted the production left her feeling "ragged" and "exposed." That’s the kind of commitment you only get from a cast that trusts their director implicitly.
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There’s a specific scene involving a loose dog where Samuel (Dickinson) first shows his "dominant" side by calming the animal. It’s a moment that could have been cheesy, but Dickinson plays it with such a weird, calm intensity that you totally buy why a CEO would be fascinated by him.
The film also avoids the "evil husband" trope. Banderas’s Jacob is a good guy. That makes the betrayal harder to watch, which is exactly what a good thriller should do. It forces the audience to sit in the discomfort rather than giving them an easy out.
Key Facts About the Production
- Director: Halina Reijn (who also did Bodies Bodies Bodies).
- Genre: Erotic Thriller / Drama.
- Filming Location: New York City (the cold, glass-and-steel offices play a huge part in the vibe).
- Release: Premiered at Venice (where Kidman won Best Actress) before hitting theaters in late 2024.
How to Approach the Movie Now
If you haven't seen it yet, or if you're just catching up on the buzz, focus on the power exchange. The baby girl movie cast was chosen to highlight how power isn't just about who has the "CEO" title. It’s about who controls the room emotionally.
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If you’re interested in exploring the themes further, I’d suggest looking into Halina Reijn’s previous work like Instinct. It covers similar ground regarding taboo desires and power. Also, checking out Harris Dickinson’s earlier film Beach Rats gives you a great look at how he handles complex, quiet characters before he became a household name.
The best way to experience the film is to look past the "scandal" and watch how Kidman and Dickinson use their body language to tell the story. It’s a masterclass in non-verbal acting.
Next Steps:
Go watch the official A24 trailer again, but this time, ignore the dialogue and just watch the way Samuel (Harris Dickinson) stands in the elevator compared to Romy (Nicole Kidman). The height difference and the physical space they occupy tell you everything you need to know about the movie's hierarchy before a single word is spoken.