BDSM Dynamics Beneath the Surface in Babygirl
At first glance, Babygirl might not seem like a typical BDSM film. There are no overt scenes involving bondage, discipline tools, or explicit kinky play. However, if you look deeper into the narrative and character dynamics, there are clear psychological BDSM elements at play—especially in how power, control, submission, and dominance are explored between Romy (Nicole Kidman) and Samuel (Harris Dickinson).
From a BDSM perspective, Babygirl can be viewed as an unstructured, risky D/s dynamic where the rules of consent and communication are murky. It illustrates the emotional highs and dangers of unchecked power exchange, providing a powerful, if cautionary, look at how BDSM themes can manifest in mainstream storytelling—without the framework that ensures safety and mutual respect.
For viewers familiar with BDSM, Babygirl offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of structure, consent, and ethical dominance and submission, while acknowledging the emotional intensity that makes power exchange so compelling.
If you'd like, I can elaborate on specific scenes or compare it with real-life BDSM dynamics!
Power Exchange and Dominance
Romy is introduced as the powerful CEO—confident, in control, and commanding respect in her professional life. In BDSM terms, she steps into the role of the dominant (Domme), setting the rules of engagement in her relationship with Samuel. She initiates the affair, maintains emotional distance, and holds the upper hand—at least at the start.
But like many BDSM dynamics, power is fluid. As the story unfolds, Romy's dominance starts to crack. The line between who controls whom becomes increasingly blurred. Samuel, despite his submissive appearance, exerts emotional power over Romy, challenging her authority and teasing out her vulnerabilities. This shift represents a consensual power exchange where dominance and submission aren't defined by physical acts but by psychological interplay.
Consent and Boundaries
A core tenet of BDSM is informed consent and negotiation of boundaries. Babygirl plays with these concepts in a morally gray area. Romy and Samuel engage in a consensual relationship, but it exists within a significant power imbalance: she is his boss, older, and more experienced. The film prompts us to question how true consent works in these scenarios—something that ethical BDSM communities continuously address with practices like Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC) or Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK).
While their relationship may look consensual on the surface, the lack of explicit negotiation and the underlying power dynamics suggest an unstructured exchange, unlike traditional BDSM relationships where communication and aftercare are central.
Emotional Sadomasochism
Romy and Samuel engage in an emotional sadomasochistic dynamic. Romy exerts control, but she also derives a kind of masochistic satisfaction from her emotional vulnerability and exposure. Samuel plays a role that could be seen as a soft sadist, slowly gaining leverage over her and enjoying the subtle control he accumulates.
Their interactions are not about physical pain but about emotional risk, control, and surrender, which are key components of many BDSM relationships—though here they are not explicitly labeled as such.
Aesthetic and Power Play
The visual language of Babygirl carries BDSM undertones. Romy's wardrobe—structured, sleek, powerful—evokes the image of the dominant woman archetype, often seen in BDSM iconography. The office setting, with its hierarchy and rigid power structures, becomes the stage for their dominance and submission roleplay, even if unspoken.
Where It Differs From Ethical BDSM
It's important to note that while Babygirl explores BDSM-like themes of dominance, submission, control, and vulnerability, it lacks many of the ethical safeguards of true BDSM practice:
There are no clear negotiations of limits.
Emotional aftercare seems absent.
The imbalance of workplace power complicates the idea of genuine, enthusiastic consent.
This portrayal makes Babygirl an intense psychological exploration of power dynamics, but not necessarily a representation of healthy BDSM.
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