* Steamy film ‘Babygirl’ has inspired a surge in BDSM-related interest among UK women.
* There has been an uptick in new and existing members of extramarital affairs site, IllicitEncounters.com, adopting usernames featuring BDSM-related terms or references to the film.
* Internal data reveals a 72% rise in the use of the words ‘sub’ and ‘submissive’ within female profiles since the film’s release, and a 33% increase in men identifying themselves as ‘doms’.
Move over ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ – there’s a new cultural phenomenon inspiring bedroom adventures across the UK. The recent release of ‘Babygirl’, starring Nicole Kidman, has sparked more than just box office buzz.
The hit film, which explores themes of power dynamics and sexual discovery, has ignited a surge in interest in kink. The UK’s largest extramarital dating site, IllicitEncounters.com, has seen a noticeable uptick in new and existing members adopting usernames featuring BDSM-related terms or referencing the raunchy film – particularly among women over 50.
Terms like “kink,” “bondage,” “cuffs,” and even character names like “Romy” and “Samuel” have spiked in popularity among users. The word “milk,” tied to a now infamous scene in the film, has also found its way into usernames.
Internal data from the platform also reveals a striking 67% increase in the use of the terms “sub” or “submissive” in female profiles since the film’s debut. And it’s not just women – the film has seemingly made an impression on men too, with a 34% rise in profiles openly identifying as ‘doms’ since the 10th January.
“This phenomenon, which we’re calling the ‘Babygirl effect,’ shows how impactful pop culture can be in shaping sexual interests and breaking taboos,” says Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com.
According to Leoni, ‘Babygirl’ has played a key role in normalising conversations around BDSM. “People have always been curious about kink, but a film like this helps remove stigma and makes it feel accessible. It encourages individuals to view BDSM as something that’s not just sexy, but safe and consensual when practiced responsibly.”
Leoni adds, “Whether this is a fleeting trend or the start of a larger sexual revolution, one thing is clear: UK bedrooms are about to become a lot more adventurous.”
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