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.
