In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, Jeff Barker deconstructs the provocative and award-winning screenplay for Babygirl (2024), written and directed by Halina Reijn and starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. This psychological erotic thriller, produced by A24, subverts the genre by placing a powerful woman at the center of a dark, complex, and unapologetic power dynamic.
We explore the screenplay as a literary document, not just a blueprint for the film. From formatting and scene structure to dialogue, symbolism, and raw emotional dynamics, this in-depth exploration offers genuine insight for screenwriters, filmmakers, and storytelling enthusiasts.
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What makes Babygirl’s screenplay bold and original
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The use of power, shame, and desire in character-driven storytelling
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How Halina Reijn formats scenes, montages, and intercut sequences
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Key screenwriting techniques: pre-laps, interiority, camera direction, and more
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Dialogue breakdowns that show character tension at its finest
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Themes of vulnerability, domination, and identity
Whether you're writing your first screenplay or are a seasoned professional, this episode offers a fresh perspective on crafting emotionally layered, visually rich, and thematically daring stories.
🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab:
Welcome to The Screenplay Lab, where we study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works, not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncovering what makes it unique and exploring what writers can learn.
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