Note: The following section includes minor spoilers for Babygirl, currently in theaters
Fans of erotic thrillers have much to explore with the release of Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, known for her previous work on Bodies Bodies Bodies. This new film showcases Nicole Kidman in a heart-wrenching role as Romy, a wealthy CEO whose sexual life leaves much to be desired despite her seemingly perfect existence. Romy’s lack of fulfillment takes a dramatic turn when she encounters an intern ready to awaken her suppressed fantasies, igniting an affair that threatens to unravel her carefully crafted life.
The reception for Babygirl has been mixed, highlighting its provocative themes and polarizing content, as reflected in its divisive Rotten Tomatoes audience score. While some viewers are enthralled, others may find the film’s tone challenging. Regardless, many are likely interested in what other erotic thrillers could complement their viewing experience. Classics such as Fatal Attraction and newer entries like Sanctuary offer rich narratives exploring similar themes. Additionally, Babygirl uniquely portrays a midlife crisis, aligning it thematically with films like Nightbitch and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.
10 Sanctuary (2023)
Exploring Power Plays in Relationships
Sanctuary provides an exhilarating engagement for those captivated by Babygirl. With Christopher Abbott as Hal Porterfield, a wealthy businessman seeking a unique form of submission for sexual pleasure, this thriller escalates the stakes through his connection with professional dominatrix Rebecca, played by Margaret Qualley. This relationship takes a complex turn as Hal, once positioned to inherit a hotel empire, faces a dilemma: his engagement with Rebecca becomes perilous, leading her to leverage a blackmail threat against him. The resulting interplay of power dynamics not only drives the plot but adds a layer of dark comedic irony to the narrative.
9 Kinds of Kindness (2024)
Navigating Control and Submission
In a similar vein, Kinds of Kindness highlights the complexity of power dynamics through three intertwining narratives directed by the imaginative Yorgos Lanthimos. The standout story, titled “The Death of RMF,”features Jesse Plemons as Robert Fletcher, a man whose life is meticulously orchestrated by his controlling boss. This unsettling arrangement reaches a tipping point when he is pushed toward an unthinkable act. While the relationship is not explicitly sexual, the themes of domination and loss of autonomy resonate strongly with those found in Babygirl.
8 Fatal Attraction (1987)
When Obsession Turns Deadly
Fatal Attraction remains one of the most iconic erotic thrillers ever created. With an impressive six Academy Award nominations, it tells the chilling story of an extramarital affair that spirals out of control, leading to dangerous consequences for all involved. Glenn Close delivers a haunting performance as Alex, whose obsession with Michael Douglas’ character, Dan, escalates to violent proportions, endangering both his marriage and his life. This film parallels Babygirl in its exploration of the perils associated with secretive relationships, particularly as both stories culminate in intense confrontations fueled by desire and desperation.
7 Bound (1996)
An Underrated Masterpiece by the Wachowskis
Bound, the feature debut of the Wachowski Sisters, crafts a compelling love story enveloped in crime and intrigue. This film centers on Violet, portrayed by Jennifer Tilly, who finds herself in a toxic relationship with a gangster while falling for her new neighbor, Corky, played by Gina Gershon. Their intoxicating affair fuels a plan for Violet to escape her controlling partner, injecting suspense and engagement into the narrative. Audiences root for this couple as they navigate high stakes, contrasting sharply with the more claustrophobic undertones of Babygirl.
6 Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
A Standout in the Crime Thriller Genre
Offering a fresh take on the genre, Love Lies Bleeding embraces an audacious motto—”be gay and do crime.”Starring Kristen Stewart as Lou, the daughter of a crime lord, the narrative explores her whirlwind romance with Jackie, an aspiring bodybuilder whose reckless decisions escalate their relationship into dangerous territory. Both characters become enablers of each other’s risky behavior, echoing Romy and Samuel’s dynamic in Babygirl. Their electric chemistry renders this film a captivating exploration of love intertwined with peril.
5 Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Kubrick’s Last Masterpiece
Another compelling entry featuring Nicole Kidman is Eyes Wide Shut, the final film of the visionary director Stanley Kubrick. This complex narrative follows Dr. William Harford, portrayed by Tom Cruise, as he grapples with his wife’s (Kidman) contemplation of infidelity, leading him into a mysterious realm of sexual exploration. While Babygirl poignantly represents Romy’s journey, Eyes Wide Shut conversely focuses on the husband’s internal struggle with desire and fulfillment. The cinematic parallels highlight how both narratives tackle themes of marital dissatisfaction and the pursuit of hidden desires.
4 Challengers (2024)
A Sizzling Triangle of Passion
In Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, the tension simmers within a love triangle set against a competitive tennis backdrop. Featuring Zendaya as Tashi and her husband Art, played by Mike Faist, alongside his best friend Patrick (Josh O’Connor), the film intricately navigates ambition, rivalry, and romance. Like Babygirl, the delicate balance of power dynamics unfolds in an engaging manner as the characters confront their ambitions both on and off the court, presenting a unique blend of sports drama and intimacy.
3 Anora (2024)
Character-Driven Exploration of Relationships
Another fascinating 2024 film, Anora, delves into a unique romantic narrative. Making a compelling statement, exotic dancer Ani (Mikey Madison) enters a contract with a Russian oligarch’s son. Their relationship evolves unexpectedly into love amidst familial disapproval. This plot echoes Babygirl‘s focus on character development over mere sexual escapades. Madison’s performance is both raw and authentic, securing her a Golden Globe nomination while offering a nuanced portrayal that elevates the narrative.
2 Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022)
Exploring Sexuality with Humor
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande takes a lighter approach while tackling themes of sexual discovery. Emma Thompson excels as Nancy, a widow seeking to reclaim her sexual autonomy after years of repression within her marriage. Unlike Romy, who knows her desires, Nancy approaches the unknown by hiring a sex worker, Leo (Daryl McCormack). Their encounters harness warmth and humor, ultimately crafting a refreshing narrative of self-exploration for a woman reclaiming agency over her body and desires.
1 Nightbitch (2024)
A Raw Exploration of Female Identity
Nightbitch, released in tandem with Babygirl, offers a distinctive take on motherhood and self-identity. Featuring Amy Adams as a nameless mother experiencing a profound identity crisis, the character’s transformation leads her to embrace her primal instincts, humorously contemplating whether she’s becoming a dog at night. This narrative critiques the often-overlooked struggles of motherhood, paralleling Romy’s exploration of her sexuality in Babygirl. Both films poignantly highlight the duality of female existence and the quest for personal liberation through unconventional means.