This theory starts with Esme being responsible for Romy entering the mentorship program.
These things paired point to Esme’s involvement in the movie’s central storyline.
Romys underlying vulnerability is something Esme could exploit.
Babygirldeals with vulnerability in several thoughtful ways.
In a TED-talk-style corporate video, Romy states: “Never let them see your weakness.”
Yet during a tipsy conversation at a work party, Romy tells Esme offhandedly about her cult background.
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Romy’s underlying vulnerability is something Esme could exploit.
Her desire for a promotion is reiterated at several intervals in the movie.
Each time, she is passed over by Romy.
A high-powered CEO risks everything when she embarks on a passionate and illicit affair with her much younger intern.
She continually promises to revisit the conversation later, but Esme has to chase her at every turn.
However, another tell is that part of her deal is also that Romy will never see Samuel again.
For example, one strange thing about the movie is how quickly Romy and Samuels relationship begins.
This could be another hint at Samuel being hired to read Romy’s secret desires.
However, the lack of buildup could just be a flaw in the movie’s pacing.
It is unclear how Esme would even know that Romy would be willing to have an affair.
It could have simply been Romy calling the shots all along.
It is also unclear byBabygirl’sendinghow much control Romy herself has over the situation.
This power exchange could all be part of the fantasy, being dressed down by her assistant.
It is unclear how Esme would even know that Romy would be willing to have an affair.
It could have simply been Romy calling the shots all along.
Both of their use of language around protecting each other as professional women has a manipulative tone.
She has to be perceived in a certain way as a female professional while obliterating her genuine humanity.
This all ties into Esme’s potential involvement because Esme ranks below Romy.
Esme and Romy exploit each other, which means there is no clear-cut feminist message in the movie.
Overall, the movie is a character study about Romy’s struggle to find authenticity.
