Nicole Kidman is no stranger to taking on challenging roles, but her latest film, Babygirl, is pushing her into entirely new territory. In this bold new e****c drama by A24, the 57-year-old actress explores complex themes of power, s********, and intimacy. However, the intensity of the film’s steamy scenes became so overwhelming that Kidman had to pause production temporarily, admitting, “I didn’t want to or***m anymore.”
Kidman with David Hinojosa, Sophie Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Harris Dickinson, and Halina Reijn. Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty
The Plot of ‘Babygirl’: Exploring Forbidden Love and Power Dynamics
Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, tells the story of Romy, a driven tech CEO played by Kidman, who becomes entangled in a passionate affair with Samuel, an ambitious intern portrayed by Harris Dickinson. The film delves deep into the power dynamics within a professional setting, examining how desire and authority can blur boundaries. The movie doesn’t shy away from the raw and complicated nature of such relationships, featuring numerous intense scenes that highlight both physical and emotional vulnerability.
Kidman’s Bold Role as Romy: An Uncharted Path for the Actress
Kidman’s role as Romy marks a significant departure from her previous characters. Known for her award-winning performances in dramas like The Hours, Big Little Lies, and Moulin Rouge!, Kidman has always been lauded for her versatility. However, Babygirl pushes the envelope in terms of explicit content and emotional depth. In a recent Q&A, Kidman admitted that this film was new territory for her:
“There’s a sort of jump off the cliff thing where you go, okay, I’m just going to abandon everything and explore this… especially with the female at the helm.”
The Oscar-winning actress has been celebrated for her fearless approach to roles, but this one came with an unexpected emotional toll.
The Challenges of Filming Intense Scenes: “Don’t Touch Me”
Kidman candidly shared that filming the explicit scenes was exhausting, both physically and emotionally. With numerous intimate scenes required between Romy and Samuel, as well as with Romy’s husband (played by Antonio Banderas), the process became draining:
“There was an enormous amount of sharing and trust, and then frustration. It’s like, ‘Don’t touch me,’” Kidman revealed. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to or***m anymore.’”
The scenes’ realism and emotional weight led to Kidman experiencing what she described as burnout:
“It was so present all the time for me that it was almost like a burnout. I was like, ‘I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!'”
Building Trust on Set: The Key to Intimate Performances
Given the film’s provocative nature, trust was crucial on set. Kidman emphasized the importance of having a safe and supportive environment while filming such intense material. Director Halina Reijn played a pivotal role in ensuring that Kidman and her co-stars felt comfortable:
“You have your director at the helm going, ‘I will protect you. Nothing that’s going to be in the film will be anything that you are not comfortable with. You are going to be okay.'”
Kidman also highlighted the trust she shared with co-star Harris Dickinson. The 28-year-old actor acknowledged that he, too, faced challenges while filming:
“Of course, there were days where I would go in really terrified of a scene or I don’t know how I’m going to do this,” Dickinson admitted. “But there was never a day that if the scene wasn’t working or if we weren’t comfortable, we never felt that time was more important. It was just like, ‘Okay, everyone go away for a second.'”
Harris Dickinson and Nicole Kidman on the ‘Babygirl’ movie set. Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
This dynamic of mutual support helped the actors navigate the intensity of their roles and portray the authenticity required for the film’s storyline.
Earning Acclaim at the Venice Film Festival
Babygirl premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it quickly garnered attention for its raw depiction of s******** and power. Kidman’s performance received critical acclaim, earning her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. The film’s daring exploration of complex themes, paired with Kidman’s fearless portrayal, captivated audiences and critics alike.
Kidman herself expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the risk involved in taking on such a bold project:
“You never know how a film like this will be received, but I felt it was a story worth telling, a character worth exploring.”
A New Chapter in Kidman’s Career
Kidman’s performance in Babygirl is a testament to her willingness to embrace roles that challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of storytelling. This daring move is reflective of a broader trend in her career, as she continues to choose roles that defy expectations and demand vulnerability.
At 57, Kidman is not afraid to take risks—whether it’s diving into a complex character like Romy or exploring a genre she hasn’t previously navigated. Her fearless approach to acting continues to solidify her as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and courageous performers.
What’s Next for ‘Babygirl’?
Following its Venice premiere, Babygirl is set for a theatrical release on December 25. The film is already generating buzz for award season, and Kidman’s performance is widely considered a contender for more accolades. As audiences prepare for this cinematic release, the conversation surrounding the film’s explicit themes, bold storytelling, and Kidman’s raw performance continues to grow.
Conclusion
Nicole Kidman’s experience filming Babygirl showcases the intense emotional journey that actors often undertake to bring complex stories to life. The film, filled with raw passion and psychological depth, exemplifies how powerful storytelling can provoke both thought and emotion. As Kidman ventures into new territory, her role in Babygirl stands as a bold testament to her commitment to authentic, boundary-pushing cinema. With its December release, audiences can expect a gripping, provocative story that offers much more than meets the eye.
