Warning: The following contains minor spoilers for BabygirlFans of Babygirl have plenty of options to choose from in the erotic thriller sub-genre. The latest film from Bodies Bodies Bodies director Halina Reijn delivered a vulnerable performance from Nicole Kidman as Romy, a rich, successful CEO, who is unsatisfied with her sex life despite seemingly having it all. That all changes when she meets an intern willing to indulge in her repressed fantasies, thus leading to an affair that could cost her everything.
The film definitely has people talking, though for some it's proven to be an acquired taste. Babygirl's ending also delivers a midlife crisis, unlike many others, so movies like Nightbitch and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande are more in that vein.
15 Secretary (2002)
A Young Woman Begins A Taboo Affair With Her Boss
Secretary
- Release Date
- September 20, 2002
- Runtime
- 107 Minutes
- Director
- Steven Shainberg
Cast
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Patrick Bauchau
WHERE TO WATCH
Babygirl and several other erotic thrillers have dealt with BDSM, helping to remove some of the taboo nature surrounding it. However, one of the first movies to take on the controversial subject was Secretary. The comedy-drama stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a young woman who is recently released from a mental health facility and attempts to get back in the workforce. While she gets a job with a demanding lawyer (James Spader), she finds that she is able to connect with her new boss as a submissive partner to his dominating sexual role.
Like Babygirl, the movie explores the complications of a relationship in which the professional world and the sexual world collide. However, it is more interesting in its examination of the complex characters. Just as with Romy, the submissive role she takes in her sex life is seen as liberating rather than diminishing. Likewise, Spader's character is not a villain, but rather someone who is looking to share his own desires with a willing partner.
14 Unfaithful (2002)
A Woman Begins An Intense Affair With A Stranger
Your comment has not been saved
Unfaithful
- Release Date
- May 10, 2002
- Runtime
- 124 Minutes
- Director
- Adrian Lyne
Cast
Richard Gere
Olivier Martinez-
Erik Per Sullivan
WHERE TO WATCH
While the intense relationship between Romy and Samuel is at the center of Babygirl, her marriage to Jacob is another key relationship in the movie that is put at risk. One of the best movies to deal with an affair and its impact on a marriage is Unfaithful. Diane Lane stars in the erotic thriller as Connie, a married woman who has a random encounter with a stranger, which leads to a ionate affair. However, when her husband discovers the truth, it threatens to destroy all of their lives.
Both Romy in Babygirl and Connie in Unfaithful are good people who find themselves giving in to temptation while knowing that it could ruin everything in their seemingly perfect world. Each movie deals with the incredible guilt that these women feel, the attempts to end the affairs, and their inability to leave behind this intense pleasure, no matter how damaging it may be.
13 Fair Play (2023)
A Promotion Leads To A Shift In A Couple's Power Dynamic
Your comment has not been saved
- Writers
- Chloe Domont
Babygirl is a thriller that plays on both the intensity of the sexual relationship between the two lead characters, but also the intensity of the combative elements this affair creates. One of the best movies in recent years to play on a similar dynamic was the underrated Fair Play. Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich play a couple trying to hide their relationship while working at the same high-stakes investment firm. However, their ionate and strong relationship is tested when she gets a coveted promotion over him.
The central relationship in Fair Play shifts into a boss-and-employee dynamic between the couple, similar to the one shared by Romy and Samuel in Babygirl. However, Fairy Play brilliantly examines how that shift in the power dynamic can cause problems in an established relationship as Ehrenreich's character becomes consumed with jealousy and feelings of inadequacy while Dynevor initially attempts to give him some power back in the relationship.
12 A Dangerous Method (2011)
A Forbidden Affair Between A Doctor And A Patient
A Dangerous Method
- Release Date
- September 30, 2011
- Runtime
- 99 minutes
- Director
- David Cronenberg
- Writers
- Christopher Hampton, John Kerr
From acclaimed director David Cronenberg, this period erotic drama deals not only with an intense sexual relationship but also with some of the most influential minds in psychotherapy. Michael Fassbender stars in A Dangerous Method as famed psychotherapist Carl Jung, who begins a new method of therapy with a young woman named Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) who is suffering from hysteria. However, the doctor-patient relationship soon pushes past those boundaries, becoming an intense affair.
The movie is a fascinating look at some hugely influential thinkers, with Viggo Mortensen also ing the cast as Jung's mentor, Sigmund Freud. However, even with the themes of psychoanalysis adding an interesting layer to the movie, the central relationship does have a lot of similarities to the modern relationship in Babygirl. With elements of forbidden affairs, power dynamics, and BDSM, it is a fascinating period look at these ideas.
11 Closer (2004)
A Drama About Affairs And Infidelity
Your comment has not been saved
Closer
- Release Date
- December 3, 2004
- Runtime
- 104 Minutes
- Director
- Mike Nichols
Cast
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Patrick Marber
While the erotic relationship at the center of Babygirl is the most intense aspect of the movie, the story is also defined so much by the fact that it is a movie about infidelity. As fulfilling as Romy's affair with Samuel is, she is also overcome with guilt for betraying her husband. One of the best movies to deal with such relationships is the star-studded drama Closer, which stars Julia Roberts and Jude Law as two people who begin an affair, leading to intense repercussions for their respective partners, played by Clive Owen and Natalie Portman.
Closer features the kind of sexually charged relationships that make Babygirl so intense, but the real intensity comes from the conversations about betrayal and the hurt of being cheated on. The conversations between Romy and Jacob in Babygirl reflect these kinds of painful, angry, and devastating confrontations, while Closer also examines the idea of couples trying to overcome such betrayals.
10 Sanctuary (2023)
A Story About Sexual (And Relationship) Power Plays
Your comment has not been saved
Sanctuary is a drama-thriller film that follows Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbot as Rebecca and Hal, a dominatrix and a wealthy heir to a fortune who engage in a strained relationship. Set over a single night, Rebecca is incensed when Hal decides to end their relationship, leading to a night-long catastrophe for him.
Sanctuary is an erotic thriller that will scratch the itch left by the intense and sexual thrills of Babygirl, blending the erotic elements of the latter with more dangerous potential. Like Babygirl's Romy, Sanctuary focuses on Christopher Abbott's Hal Porterfield, a well-off businessman who looks to be dominated in unique ways in order to feel sexually satisfied. Unlike Romy, he looks outside his workplace for said satisfaction, hiring Margaret Qualley's Rebecca, a professional dominatrix.
When Hal is about to inherit his father's hotel chain, he decides he can no longer be with his dominatrix because the risk is higher now. Rebecca is unwilling to walk away, though, so she threatens to blackmail Hal. This leads to an engaging power play that has audiences left wondering if this is a legit threat or just part of their game. Sanctuary is an erotic thriller that delves into dark romantic comedy territory at times, and it's a wild ride carried by its two incredible leads.
9 Kinds of Kindness (2024)
The Power Of Control (And The Desire To Be Controlled)
Your comment has not been saved
Kinds of Kindness
- Release Date
- June 21, 2024
- Runtime
- 164 Minutes
- Director
- Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast
Rita / Liz / Emily
Robert / Daniel / Andrew
WHERE TO WATCH
Kinds of Kindness is a 2024 comedy-drama film by writer-director Yorgos Lanthimos. Split across segments, Kinds of Kindness tells the stories of a man trying to reclaim his destiny, a police officer whose wife returns after being lost at sea only to seem like a different person, and a woman tasked with finding a future spiritual leader.
Like Sanctuary, Kinds of Kindness features Margaret Qualley alongside a stellar ensemble of Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Hong Chau, and Mamoudou Athie. Kinds of Kindness is Yorgos Lanthimos' bizarre anthology drama composed of three separate stories that feature the same actors in different roles. Of all three stories, the first one, "The Death of RMF," is the one that will speak most to fans of Babygirl, centered on a power dynamic that explores questions of domination and satisfaction.
What Does R.M.F. Stand For In Kinds Of Kindness? Meaning Explained
Yorgos Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness revolves around the death of a mysterious man named R.M.F., but what exactly does R.M.F. stand for (if anything)?
In this one, Plemons' character, Robert Fletcher, allows his boss to control every aspect of his life. He receives detailed instructions on how to live his life, from his diet to whether or not he has a child with his wife. Robert hits his limit, though, when his boss requests that he kill a man. While not an overtly sexual relationship, the power dynamic explored in "The Death of RMF," as well as the lack of control Robert feels in general, are similar to some of the themes explored in Babygirl.
8 Fatal Attraction (1987)
An Erotic Thriller That Takes A Deadly Turn
Your comment has not been saved
Fatal Attraction
- Release Date
- September 18, 1987
- Runtime
- 119 Minutes
- Director
- Adrian Lyne
Cast
Glenn Close
WHERE TO WATCH
Dan Gallagher, a successful lawyer with a seemingly perfect family life, faces unimaginable turmoil after a brief affair with Alex Forrest. Initially, their fling appears to be a momentary lapse in judgment, but Alex's intense and unstable behavior soon reveals her deep obsession. As Alex's fixation on Dan grows, she begins to infiltrate his life, threatening his marriage, career, and even his family's safety.
One of the most famous erotic thrillers of the 20th century is Fatal Attraction, which was nominated for six Oscars and inspired a TV show of the same name (even if Paramount+ canceled it after just one season). Fatal Attraction is centered around an affair gone horribly wrong. The film stars Glenn Close as Alex, who becomes obsessed with her lover, Michael Douglas' Dan. This obsession grows more and more uncomfortable, eventually putting Dan and his wife's lives in danger.
Fatal Attraction was a massive success when it was released in 1987, grossing $320 million at the box office against a $14 million budget before earning six Academy Award nominations.
At the heart of Babygirl is the affair Romy has with her intern, Samuel, and things eventually do come to a dramatic head. Romy's career and her stable life with her family are at risk, reflecting the ruinous fallout of their relationship being exposed. A similar (if more intense) sense of danger is present in Fatal Attraction for Dan and his wife. For those who liked Babygirl but wanted something a little more dangerous or deadly, Fatal Attraction can scratch that itch.
7 Bound (1996)
An Underrated Wachowski Classic
Your comment has not been saved
Bound
- Release Date
- October 4, 1996
- Runtime
- 109 Minutes
- Director
- Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Cast
-
Jennifer Tilly
WHERE TO WATCH
Bound is a 1996 neo-noir crime thriller directed by the Wachowskis. The film stars Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly as a pair of women who develop a romantic relationship while conspiring to steal $2 million of mafia money. Joe Pantoliano co-stars as the unsuspecting mafioso boyfriend, creating a tense narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.
While Fatal Attraction's affair is not one to root for, Bound delivers an affair story that leaves audiences hoping the stars can run off into the sunset together. The first feature film directed by the Wachowskis — and one of the best Wachowski movies so far — Bound stars Jennifer Tilly as Violet, a woman in a relationship with a gangster, Joe Pantoliano's Caesar. However, her new neighbor Corky, played by Gina Gershon, catches her eye. Sparks fly, and the two women start an affair, leading to a plan to help Violet escape her cruel boyfriend and be set for life.
The Wachowskis hit it out of the park with their first feature film, even if it became somewhat overshadowed by their iconic sci-fi follow-up, The Matrix.
The Wachowskis hit it out of the park with their first feature film, even if it became somewhat overshadowed by their iconic sci-fi follow-up, The Matrix. Bound is not just a love story, but also an engaging crime thriller. These women are trying to get their happy ending while also pulling a fast one over a dangerous man who already has little regard for his girlfriend's well-being and feelings. For audiences looking for another affair story with higher stakes, Bound is perfect for that, and it features a couple worth rooting for.
6 Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
One Of 2024's Best Criminal Thrillers
Your comment has not been saved
Love Lies Bleeding
- Release Date
- March 3, 2024
- Runtime
- 104 Minutes
- Director
- Rose Glass
WHERE TO WATCH
Love Lies Bleeding is an action crime film from A24. Directed by Rose Glass, Love Lies Bleeding centers on a gym employee, played by Kristen Stewart, and a bisexual bodybuilder (Katy O'Brian) as they discover how difficult the world of competitive bodybuilding is. The film also stars Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris.
Bound walked so Love Lies Bleeding could run. While Rose Glass's sophomore feature is not about an affair like in Bound, it is an erotic crime thriller that embraces the motto "be gay and do crime." Starring Kristen Stewart as Lou, the daughter of Ed Harris' crime boss Lou Sr., the film follows Lou as she falls fast and hard for Jackie (Katy O'Brian), an aspiring bodybuilder with nowhere to call home, and who makes an impulsive decision that causes serious problems for the couple.
Love Lies Bleeding Ending Explained
The surreal conclusion to Love Lies Bleeding leaves plenty of room for interpretation thanks to the ambiguity of some of its fantastical final scenes.
The high of their infatuation, as well as the performance-enhancing drugs Jackie takes, lead to a deadly situation that gets more and more dangerous. Jackie and Lou are obsessed with one another, enabling dangerous and concerning behavior in each other, similar to how Romy and Samuel enable one another despite the known risks. However, the stakes in Love Lies Bleeding, which is Kristen Stewart's best-reviewed movie, are much higher, and there is no denying the ion Lou and Jackie have for one another, especially given the electric chemistry between Stewart and O'Brian.
Your comment has not been saved