Nicole Kidman has offered the masses two forms of a similar trope in less than a year: Powerful woman falls for younger man.
Some of you may argue that the age gap isn’t material (we can agree to disagree), in which case, let’s call it: Powerful woman falls for man who takes control. Either way, Babygirl and A Family Affair each gives us a strong, independent matriarch stretched thin with the demands of work, family, and decision-making who finds herself drawn to a younger, ambitious man who knows what he wants (i.e., her).
There are nuances, of course. (Beyond the cringey dance scene from Harris Dickinson in Babygirl.) If you’re not sure whether to watch either, both, or neither, read on.
Babygirl is a mood.
It’s rainy season in New York, and the cast is a tortured set of characters constantly struggling with their inner demons. Think betrayal and childhood trauma packaged in a dark alley. Nicole Kidman plays a powerful CEO looking for someone to dominate her for once, and not in a predatory way like sideshow characters would willingly offer. Of course, she finds it in a precarious 20-something who could blow up her whole life, if he chooses. But that’s part of the thrill.
The emotional charge the actors give you may make you pause and come back later.
A Family Affair is easy, breezy, and delightfully cheesy.
This movie will give you exactly what you expect. Nicole Kidman’s character is a successful yet unfulfilled author raising her young adult daughter in LA. She meets her daughter’s famous and oh so demanding boss (Zac Efron), and fireworks.
There’s nothing high stakes or overly stressful about this movie, so it’s perfect to watch casually or when you need something light. It’s a predictable rom-com that won’t disappoint.
You can stream Babygirl on Max and A Family Affair on Netflix.