Nicole Kidman, the Oscar-winning actress known for her versatility and fearless performances, has once again pushed boundaries in her latest role. Starring in the upcoming A24 er*tic drama Babygirl, Kidman portrays Romy, a high-powered tech CEO who becomes entangled in a provocative affair with a younger intern. As the movie delves into themes of power, passion, and professional dynamics, the intense filming process took an emotional toll on Kidman, leading her to pause production during particularly overwhelming scenes.
The Plot: A Tale of Power and Desire
Directed by Halina Reijn, Babygirl is an exploration of human connections within a high-stakes corporate world. Kidman plays Romy, an ambitious and married tech executive who begins a passionate relationship with Samuel, an intern portrayed by Iron Claw star Harris Dickinson. The film examines the complexities of workplace relationships, unearthing the intricacies of power dynamics and the blurred lines between professional and personal lives.
Adding another layer of tension, Antonio Banderas joins the cast as Romy’s husband, further complicating her web of desires. The movie doesn’t shy away from explicit scenes, using them to drive home its commentary on the intersection of power and vulnerability.
Nicole Kidman on the Emotional Strain of Filming
Kidman revealed in a recent interview that the intensity of filming Babygirl left her emotionally drained. With numerous intimate scenes woven into the narrative, the actress found herself overwhelmed by the constant demand for vulnerability and physicality.
“There was an enormous amount of sharing and trust, but also frustration,” Kidman admitted. “It’s like, ‘Don’t touch me.’ There were times when I was like, ‘I don’t want to org*sm anymore.’”
She confessed that the prolonged exposure to such scenes led to feelings of burnout. “I would think, ‘Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life.’ I was over it,” Kidman shared, highlighting how the relentless emotional investment required for the role took a toll on her well-being.
Trusting the Team: A Key to Navigating Vulnerable Scenes
Despite the challenges, Kidman emphasized the importance of trust among the cast and crew. She credited director Halina Reijn for creating a safe and supportive environment on set. “You have your director at the helm saying, ‘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.’”
This assurance allowed Kidman to fully commit to the role while knowing her boundaries would be respected. Dickinson echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the importance of their collaborative dynamic. “Nicole and I had an enormous amount of trust in each other,” he said. “There were days I’d come in terrified of a scene, but we always took the time we needed to feel comfortable.”
Breaking New Ground in Er*tic Drama
Kidman’s role in Babygirl represents a new chapter in her illustrious career. Known for her willingness to tackle challenging material, she described the project as an opportunity to “jump off the cliff” and explore uncharted territory.
“This is a genre that’s already well-defined, but we wanted to push boundaries and explore it from a fresh perspective, especially with a female director at the helm,” Kidman said. The collaboration with Reijn brought a nuanced, empathetic approach to the intimate scenes, ensuring they served the story rather than feeling gratuitous.
Behind the Scenes: The Delicate Art of Filming Intimacy
Creating a film with such a heavy focus on intimacy requires meticulous planning and respect for everyone involved. Kidman explained that the team prioritized the emotional and physical safety of the cast during these vulnerable moments.
Kidman with David Hinojosa, Sophie Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Harris Dickinson, and Halina Reijn. Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty
“When a scene wasn’t working or we weren’t comfortable, we paused,” Dickinson revealed. “Time wasn’t more important than ensuring everyone felt okay.” This approach fostered an environment where the actors could push themselves creatively without feeling exploited.
Critical Acclaim Ahead of Its Release
Babygirl premiered early at the Venice Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and fearless performances. Kidman’s portrayal of Romy earned her the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress, cementing her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most daring talents.
Critics praised the film for its layered exploration of power and desire, with many noting the chemistry between Kidman and Dickinson as a standout element. The film’s raw emotional intensity and thought-provoking themes promise to make it a standout entry in the er*tic drama genre.
A Bold Step in Kidman’s Career
At 57, Nicole Kidman continues to challenge herself with roles that demand vulnerability and emotional depth. Her work in Babygirl underscores her commitment to exploring complex characters and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Kidman’s openness about the emotional toll of filming highlights the realities of tackling such demanding material. Yet, her ability to navigate these challenges with grace and professionalism is a testament to her dedication to her craft.
Harris Dickinson and Nicole Kidman on the ‘Babygirl’ movie set. Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
Conclusion: A Film That Sparks Conversation
Babygirl isn’t just a movie about passion—it’s a commentary on power, vulnerability, and the human condition. Nicole Kidman’s fearless performance, coupled with Halina Reijn’s thoughtful direction, ensures the film will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
As Babygirl arrives in theaters on December 25, it’s poised to spark important conversations about relationships, boundaries, and the evolving portrayal of intimacy on screen. Whether you’re drawn by the provocative story or the powerhouse performances, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
