By Isabella Soares
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Weeks after Babygirl's Christmas release, a key scene was subjected to social media frenzy. Halfway through the erotic drama, when Romy (Nicole Kidman) is fully engrossed in her heated affair with an intern at her robotics company, the latter delivers a sexy dance to George Michael's hit, "Father Figure." With a whiskey in hand and subtle, on-beat movements, Samuel (Harris Dickinson) performs for Romy, as she sits down and takes in the view.
What seemed like a simple, creative choice from director Halina Reijin took on a life of its own, with Pedro Pascal even gracing us with his version of it. Although Dickinson's shirtless dance might be reduced to a thirst trap for some, there is more significance to this fleeting moment than viewers might think. Not only is the song choice important in relaying the film's main message, but the scene itself reflects a point-of-view that has often been overlooked within this movie genre.
George Michael's "Father Figure" Adds Nuance to 'Babygirl's Dance Scene
Before there was even a script in place for Babygirl, Halina Reijin just knew that she would include "Father Figure" in it no matter what. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director explained that the song itself evoked exactly what she aimed to do in her follow-up to Bodies Bodies Bodies, which is "a comedy of manners" about power, consent, sex, and control. Michael's seductive tune sought to display a sexual relationship where one person is open and eager to take on a more dominant role in the bedroom, embarking on a heated venture with no space for shame. Throughout the song, the singer talks about craving intimacy that isn't misunderstood by his partner, but rather embraced in a true display of love and devotion. Although the term "father figure" is widely seen as problematic - with women craving this type of relationship often being judged for having "daddy issues" - this track embraces this dynamic.
Similarly, Babygirl does not blame Romy for her desires. Despite the jarring age gap between her and Samuel, as well as her position of power in the company they both work at, the two characters are presented as equals. The intern seems to read the protagonist's wants and needs, which have never been satisfied by her loving husband (played by Antonio Banderas). As she dives head first in this sexual exchange, where Samuel takes the lead and "tames" her at the beginning of the film, he is shown to have as much power as she does from outside optics.
As he dances for her in a hotel room, which is their safe space for pleasure, audiences can tell that they've not only reached intimacy physically but emotionally too. There's a vulnerability to Samuel's moves. They aren't well-executed by any means, but rather wonky, as if he were being led by the music and unashamed to act silly in front of Romy. The sense of freedom that they feel in each other's presence ties back to the intent behind Michael's lyrics in "Father Figure." This is what it looks like for both people to be comfortable and willing to adopt a dominant and submissive dynamic. There are no restraints, just levity to explore whatever comes to mind and achieve satisfaction in this role-play.
'Babygirl's Iconic Dance Presents a Shift in Perspective Within the Erotic Genre
On top of the fact that the song and dance scene work in unison to further Babygirl's message, this moment is also significant for its cultural impact within the erotic genre. In the '80s and '90s, it was common for the male gaze to dominate, with women often being the object of a man's desire and not the other way around. Films like Basic Instinct and 9 1/2 Weeks furthered the notion that when pleasure was depicted onscreen, it was never with a female audience in mind. Reijin's decision to have Samuel dance for Romy as she sits and enjoys it is a shift in perspective from popular titles within the erotic genre, proving that women too can have their fantasies met. The director even mentioned that 9 1/2 Weeks' "You Can Leave Your Hat On" scene served as inspiration for the dance scene in her film, which only makes the meaning behind her creative choice even more apparent.
Overall, it is clear that Dickinson's swaying from side to side is more significant than just a viral clip. The "Father Figure" dance is crucial to making Babygirl work, showing what it means to have this type of relationship without judgment. The intimacy conveyed in the dance sequence is purposeful because it shows that in the bedroom, both Romy and Samuel are equals, and they are comfortable enough in each other's presence to role-play and be vulnerable. In addition, the scene has even more meaning when it comes to the erotic genre, because it proves that the female gaze is just as important as the male gaze. As Samuel dances for Romy, audiences are presented with a different point of view, one that acknowledges women's cravings.
Babygirl is currently playing in theaters.

3 10
Babygirl
Crime
Mystery
Thriller
Babygirl follows a high-powered CEO, played by Kidman, who jeopardizes her career and family by engaging in a risky affair with her much younger intern, portrayed by Dickinson. The movie explores themes of power dynamics and desire, drawing inspiration from films like Indecent Proposal and Basic Instinct.
- Release Date
- December 25, 2024
- Director
- Halina Reijn
- Cast
- Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, John Cenatiempo, Leslie Silva, Anoop Desai, Jean Reno
- Runtime
- 114 Minutes