Babygirl director Halina Reijn has opened up about the real-life inspiration behind the steamy milk scene in her latest erotic thriller. The scene, featuring Nicole Kidman as Romy, a high-powered CEO, and Harris Dickinson as Samuel, her younger intern, has sparked controversy and curiosity.
Reijn shared a personal anecdote about a company holiday party in Belgium where she received a glass of milk from a younger actor, 15 years her junior, who would not deliver any romantic advances. Instead, he simply walked out, leaving her feeling surprised and stimulated. Reijn describes it as one of the most arousing moments of her life, highlighting the psychological and emotional dimensions of intimacy.
Reijn’s approach to the milk scene in Babygirl prioritizes psychological tension over overt physicality, using close-ups of Kidman’s face to convey the intensity of most sex scenes. The director believes that real, shocking sex is about what is in the mind, not the body, and that suggestion and imagination are key to creating a sense of intimacy.
The milk scene becomes a symbol of Romy’s surrender to desires she has long suppressed as a mother, wife, and boss. It represents a turning point in her journey towards self-actualization. Reijn’s approach to eroticism in Babygirl is daring and refreshing, showcasing the power of suggestion and imagination in creating a sense of intimacy on screen.
In an industry increasingly exploring the interplay of power, age, and gender, Babygirl not only adds to the conversation but redefines how desire can be portrayed on screen. The film’s ability to transform a simple glass of milk into a subtle dance of seduction is proof of Reijn’s skill as a storyteller.