Loved Babygirl? Here’s more films featuring “controversial” age gap romances

Halina Reijn’s Babygirl hit UK cinemas on the 10th of January. Since, it’s been discussed in two ways — dubbed as “controversial” for its depiction of an age gap romance or, on the other end of the spectrum, as doing its bit for what’s been called “MILF visibility”. It’s had us younger ladies wanting to be whatever age it is that we can secure ourselves a toyboy that looks like Harris Dickinson. And the small number of lads who’ve ventured out to see it? We reckon they’ve just upped their Hinge age limit. Most of all, though, it’s given us a hankering for more films which explore this kind of relationship. Low and behold, we’ve compiled what we reckon are the best of the best. Do take these with a pinch of salt, however. We are not (I repeat not) saying everything in the below films is entirely “okay”. 

The Graduate 

This list probably wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for Mike Nicholls The Graduate, which came out way back in 1967. It’s a truly seminal exploration of an age gap relationship, featuring the likes of Dustin Hoffman, Katharine Ross, a lot of leopard print and a whole score by none other than Simon & Garfunkel. Really, you can’t say too much on Babygirl and what it’s trying to do without watching The Graduate, so you better stick it on right away — know the holy texts. 

Albatross

Something of an underrated gem, Albatross is one which may veer on the side of being that wee bit inappropriate. Still, there’s much to mull over in this British-set comedy drama that follows Emelia, an aspiring writer, as she starts a relationship with her mate’s Dad. Emelia is played by the absolutely beautiful Jessica Brown Findlay (which is reason enough to watch it) and we’d describe this as a sort of Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging for grown ups. Kind of? It’s set at the seaside anyway. 

The Diary of a Teenage Girl

Okay, this one’s definitely a little bit not entirely alright. It is, however, bloody good and because it’s set in 1970s San Francisco, it’s certainly got a vibe about it — the kind of film that makes starting up a relationship with your mum’s partner look quite cool. The partner in question is played by Alexander Skarsgård (yeah, you get it now) and the lead is Bel Powley. There’s a reason why this understated little film swept award season. 

An Education

Directed by Lone Scherfig, An Education is the film that put Carey Mulligan on the map. Following Jenny, a teenager who begins a relationship with a man twice her age, it will have you reaching for the tissues — it’s a real delicate exploration of the subtleties of the power dynamics in these kinds of romances. There’s a whole lot of nuance in there.

Lost in Translation

What’s so lovely about the age gap romance in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation is that it’s, well, not really a romance. Less power play and manipulation, it’s about mutual love and respect. It’s also about how that transcends age and how it doesn’t necessarily have you jumping in bed with one another. By the end of it, you’ll also fancy Bill Murray. Mark our words. 

Notes on a Scandal

If the others on this list had somewhat blurred lines, in Notes on a Scandal, they’re cut and dry. Adapted from the brilliant 2003 novel by Zoë Heller, the film follows a female school teacher who begins an affair with an underage pupil and features, in our eyes, career best performances from Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. What’s so good about Notes on a Scandal is it’s not told through the eyes of Sheba (the affair-haver), but Barbara, who’s obsessed with Sheba. It’s an uncomfortable watch but it’s also got just the right amount of melodrama, its fair share of comedy and a line reading to end all line readings from Judi Dench.

Nosferatu

… It is an age gap romance though, isn’t it? Count Orlok’s been knocking about for god knows how long and he’s certainly got Ellen Hutter (played by a rather jerky Lily-Rose Depp) under his thumb. To be honest, we’ve just popped this on the list because we’d love to see our readers doing a sort of unhinged double bill at their local cinema. Forget Barbenheimer, it’s Nosfergirl season.