Babygirl

Babygirl

Year: 2024

Runtime: 1 h 54 m

Language: english

Director: Halina Reijn

CrimeMysteryThriller

Romy leads a successful career, enjoys a loving marriage, and is a dedicated mother. Her carefully constructed life is disrupted when she meets the assertive intern, Samuel. As she gradually relinquishes control, Romy begins to discover more about herself and her own desires. But how much control is she willing to surrender?

Warning: spoilers below!

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Babygirl (2024) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Babygirl (2024), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Romy Mathis, an ambitious CEO of a tech firm nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City, finds herself deeply unsatisfied with her monotonous sex life alongside her husband, Jacob, a passionate theater director. One day, as she commutes to work, an unexpected event unfolds when a young man intervenes just in time to calm an aggressive dog that nearly attacks her. This chance encounter introduces her to Samuel, who soon becomes an intern at her company and expresses a desire to have Romy as his mentor through the firm’s mentorship program.

In the private confines of their office, the dynamic between Romy and Samuel shifts dramatically when he makes a bold proposition. Initially resisting, Romy’s resolve crumbles as she finds herself caught in a whirlpool of temptation—their kiss igniting a fire within her she thought dormant. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, they schedule clandestine meetings in secret hotel rooms. Romy grapples with the moral implications of their liaison, worried that she may be exploiting her position of power over the younger man. However, Samuel reveals that he holds the upper hand, claiming he could jeopardize her career “with one phone call.” This revelation sets a precedent for their unconventional arrangement, where Romy takes on a submissive role while Samuel embodies a commanding presence.

As time unfolds, Samuel continues to challenge their boundaries. In a particularly unsettling incident, he shows up unannounced at Romy and Jacob’s serene country retreat, ostensibly to return a laptop she left behind at the office. This intrusion infuriates Romy, and she passionately warns him that her family takes precedence in her life, and he must never return to their home. The heated exchange culminates in Samuel threatening to file a complaint and request a departmental transfer, forcing Romy to confront her emotional turmoil. Burdened by the growing strain, she confides in Jacob her dissatisfaction regarding their intimate life and admits her struggle to reach climax with him.

Desperation leads Romy to seek out Samuel, coercing him into continuing their affair. However, her emotions spiral out of control when she discovers Samuel’s presence at her house again, this time together with Esme, one of Romy’s employees, arriving for her daughter’s birthday celebration. Esme reveals her awareness of the affair and provides stern advice for Romy: end the relationship, overhaul the company’s structure, and promote her to ensure her silence on the matter.

Tormented by guilt and feeling cornered, Romy ultimately confesses her indiscretions to Jacob, only to face the shocking consequences when he throws her out. Later, Jacob arrives at their country home only to find Romy and Samuel together, resulting in a violent confrontation. However, the conflict takes an unexpected turn when Jacob suffers a panic attack, prompting Samuel to assist him in his distress.

In the aftermath, a wounded Samuel distances himself, leaving Romy and Jacob to grapple with the fragments of their fractured marriage. They make a poignant decision to rekindle their relationship and revive their intimacy. However, Romy soon learns from a board member that Samuel has accepted a position in Japan. When probed if she played a role in his departure, she flatly denies any wrongdoing, voicing her independence and repelling any attempts to intimidate her.

Back in the comfort of their home, Romy and Jacob embark on a passionate encounter inspired by the very act that fueled Romy’s extramarital affair, leading Romy to experience the long-elusive bliss of an orgasm. The culmination of these events binds them in a fragile yet hopeful attempt at redemption and rediscovery.

Last Updated: January 27, 2025 at 22:39

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Babygirl?

Still wondering what the ending of Babygirl (2024) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

The ending of Babygirl is quite layered and nuanced, revealing the complex power dynamics between Romy, Samuel, and her own internal world. Throughout the film, Romy is portrayed as a powerful, successful woman who outwardly controls her life—her career, her family, her appearance—but deep down, she feels unfulfilled and craving genuine connection and control. Samuel, the intern, acts as a mirror to her inner desires; he embodies her primal, instinctual self — her Id — with no inhibitions, pure animalistic instinct, and a raw, almost inhuman approach to their relationship. Romy’s internal turmoil is symbolized by her interactions with Samuel, her drinking of milk, and her pet dog, all of which represent her yearning for innocence, care, and taming her inner chaos.

The film’s title, Babygirl, is a term Samuel uses for Romy at a pivotal moment, highlighting who truly holds the power. Romy, despite her outward dominance, secretly craves to be controlled, coddled, and reminded of her innocence—longing for a form of love and care that she was denied in her possibly cult-like upbringing. This desire is reinforced by the symbolism of the milk she drinks, which signifies purity and a dissociation from her carefully constructed persona, allowing her to surrender to her primal instincts.

The scene with the dog and Samuel’s dance to “Father Figure” underscore this theme of desire for both freedom and surrender. The dog symbolizes Romy’s deepest wishes to be tamed, cherished, and loved unconditionally—an internal craving for a sacred, almost forbidden love. Romy’s childhood in a strict, controlled environment explains her conflicting feelings; she wants to break free from societal expectations but also seeks intimacy and understanding on a very primal level.

The ending reveals Romy’s gaining a measure of agency. Jacob’s declaration that female masochism is just a male fantasy, combined with Isabel’s supportive attitude, empower Romy to take control of her life. She finally stands up to her oppressive boss and reclaims her authority, symbolized by her confrontations and her decision to prioritize her own needs over societal expectations. The final scene—where Romy and Jacob make love, and Samuel is silently present—suggests that Romy has integrated her desires into her life. Whether Samuel symbolizes her inner beast, her liberation, or remains a lingering influence, she ultimately takes the reins of her own satisfaction, establishing her agency in a world that constantly tried to control her. In the end, Romy’s empowerment is about embracing her authentic self and satisfying her deepest needs, whatever form they might take.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:03

Unlock the Full Story of Babygirl

Don't stop at just watching — explore Babygirl in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Babygirl is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Babygirl Timeline

Track the full timeline of Babygirl with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Babygirl Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Babygirl

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Babygirl. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Babygirl

Babygirl Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Babygirl? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Babygirl Ending Explained

More About Babygirl

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Babygirl: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Babygirl

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