By Peter de Kuster
Introduction: When You Break the Rules, What Story Will You Tell?
Baby Girl (2024) is a provocative modern drama that plunges into the heart of power, desire, and consequence. Romy Mathis, a high-powered CEO in New York, risks everything—her career, her marriage, her sense of self—when she begins a torrid affair with Samuel, her much-younger intern. As her world unravels, Romy is forced to confront who she truly is, what she truly wants, and what price she’s willing to pay for authenticity. For creative leaders, Romy’s journey is a cautionary tale and an invitation: you are the storyteller of your own life. Will you let your story be written by fear, or will you claim the pen—even if it means breaking the rules?
Plot Summary: From Control to Chaos and Back Again
Romy Mathis seems to have it all: a thriving tech company, a family, and control over every aspect of her life. But beneath the surface, she is dissatisfied—especially in her marriage to Jacob, a theater director. Enter Samuel, a charismatic young intern who quickly becomes her mentee and, soon after, her lover. Their affair is a heady mix of dominance, submission, and taboo, with Romy surrendering control in ways she never imagined.
As the affair intensifies, so do the risks. Samuel pushes boundaries, even inserting himself into Romy’s family life. When Romy’s assistant Esme discovers the secret, she blackmails Romy, demanding a promotion and company changes. The web tightens: Romy confesses her dissatisfaction to Jacob, who is devastated by her admission and the affair. A climactic confrontation between Jacob and Samuel leaves Romy at a crossroads. Ultimately, Romy chooses to face her truth, rekindling her marriage with Jacob—though her desires and memories of Samuel linger, shaping her new story.
The Hero’s Journey in Baby Girl
Reflections for Creative Leaders at Every Stage
| Stage | Film Moment | Reflection for Creative Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ordinary World | Romy’s controlled, successful life as CEO and wife | Where are you living by the rules, but feeling unfulfilled? |
| 2. Call to Adventure | Meeting Samuel, the intern who challenges her boundaries | What unexpected encounter is calling you to question your status quo? |
| 3. Refusal of the Call | Romy’s initial resistance to Samuel’s advances | When have you denied your own desires or needs out of fear? |
| 4. Meeting the Mentor | Samuel’s provocative confidence; Romy’s own awakening | Who or what is pushing you to see yourself differently? |
| 5. Crossing the Threshold | Romy gives in to Samuel, beginning the affair | What bold step have you taken that changed your story forever? |
| 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies | Secret meetings, Esme’s discovery, growing risks | Who supports you—and who threatens your new path? |
| 7. Approach to the Inmost Cave | Samuel’s intrusion into Romy’s family life, Esme’s ultimatum | What is the greatest risk or truth you must face to move forward? |
| 8. Ordeal | Romy’s confession to Jacob, the confrontation with Samuel | When have you been forced to face the consequences of your choices? |
| 9. Reward | Romy’s honesty, the possibility of rekindling her marriage | What clarity or freedom have you gained by owning your truth? |
| 10. The Road Back | Samuel’s departure, Romy’s new boundaries at work | How do you begin to rebuild after upheaval? |
| 11. Resurrection | Romy and Jacob rediscover intimacy—on new terms | How has your journey changed your relationships and your sense of self? |
| 12. Return with the Elixir | Romy’s new story: desire, honesty, and self-knowledge | What wisdom will you carry forward—and share with others? |
Conclusion: The Risk and Reward of Writing Your Own Legend
Baby Girl is a daring exploration of power, vulnerability, and the price of authenticity. Romy’s journey shows that breaking the rules can bring chaos—but also clarity and growth. As creative leaders, the question is not whether you’ll face temptation and turmoil, but whether you’ll use them to write a story that is truly your own. The legend you create is forged not in safety, but in the courage to face your desires, your mistakes, and your truth.
Questions to Take Away After Watching Baby Girl
- Where in your life are you following the rules at the expense of your own fulfillment?
- Who or what is calling you to step beyond your comfort zone?
- What risks are you avoiding—and what might you gain by facing them?
- How can you turn your mistakes into a story of growth and authenticity?
- What legacy do you want to leave as the author of your own story?
Story Coaching Offer: Create Your Hero’s Journey with Peter de Kuster
Are you ready to claim your own legend and become the author of your next chapter? My story coaching is for:
- Creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking clarity, purpose, and authentic impact
- Anyone at a crossroads, ready to turn upheaval into meaning and momentum
- Individuals inspired by stories and determined to become the storyteller of their own life
Benefits of Story Coaching
- Discover your personal myth and core archetypes
- Reframe limiting beliefs and turn adversity into opportunity
- Gain clarity on your mission, legacy, and next creative chapter
- Develop practical strategies for authentic, impactful leadership
- Strengthen your storytelling skills to inspire and unite your team
Special Price for Readers
- Full Story Coaching Session (2 hours): €195 (excl. VAT)
- Express Session (1 hour): €120 (excl. VAT)
Contact: peter@wearesomeone.nl
You are the hero, the storyteller, and the legend in the making. The next chapter is yours to write.
The Power of Your Story 