Nicole Kidman has never been one to shy away from challenging roles. However, her recent experience while filming Babygirl, a new e****c drama directed by Halina Reijn, pushed the Oscar-winning actress to her limits. The film, produced by A24, explores power dynamics, professional ambition, and forbidden passion, casting Kidman alongside Iron Claw actor Harris Dickinson. The role demanded such emotional and physical intensity that Kidman admits she had to pause shooting, saying, “I didn’t want to or***m anymore.”
A Bold Role for Nicole Kidman
In Babygirl, Kidman plays Romy, a high-powered tech CEO whose personal life takes a chaotic turn when she embarks on an intense affair with Samuel, a young intern played by Dickinson. The film is filled with explicit, steamy scenes as it explores the complex relationship between Romy and Samuel, including Romy’s dynamic with her on-screen husband, portrayed by Antonio Banderas.
This isn’t just another romantic drama. It’s an exploration of how ambition and desire can collide in a professional setting. It’s raw, unfiltered, and intense—qualities that make it a daring addition to Kidman’s illustrious career.
Filming Intensity Reaches a Breaking Point
Kidman is known for fully immersing herself in her roles, but Babygirl took her usual commitment to another level. The film required extensive, intimate scenes that often left the actress feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. According to a recent interview with The Sun, she said, “There was an enormous amount of sharing, trust, and then frustration. It’s like, ‘Don’t touch me.’ There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to or***m anymore.'”
The 57-year-old actress, who has been married to country singer Keith Urban for 18 years, admits that these scenes led to unexpected burnout. “It was so present all the time for me that it was almost like a burnout,” she added. The constant need to simulate passion, day after day, took its toll, and at times, Kidman found herself saying, “I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”
Exploring New Territory in an E****c Genre
Babygirl isn’t Kidman’s first foray into roles that challenge societal norms, but the explicit nature of the film is uncharted territory for her. In a recent Q&A, she confessed, “There’s a sort of jump-off-the-cliff thing where you go, ‘Okay, I’m just going to abandon everything and explore this with people I trust.’”
The film, which aims to bring a fresh perspective to the e****c genre, especially with a female director at the helm, allowed Kidman to navigate untested waters. Director Halina Reijn was committed to creating a safe, collaborative environment on set, promising Kidman and the rest of the cast, “Nothing that’s going to be in the film will be anything that you are not comfortable with.” This assurance of safety and mutual respect was crucial, considering the intense demands of the story.
Building Trust on Set
While the film’s premise revolves around complex power dynamics, the actors relied heavily on trust. Kidman emphasized how vital it was to feel protected and understood during the most vulnerable moments of filming. She described her working relationship with Dickinson as “built on enormous trust,” which made tackling the more daunting scenes possible.
Dickinson, who is 28, also spoke candidly about the challenges he faced while filming. “Of course, there were days where I would go in really terrified of a scene, not knowing how I was going to do this,” he admitted. The actors’ strong rapport allowed them to take breaks whenever necessary, focusing on comfort over rigid scheduling. “There was never a day when we felt that time was more important than getting the scene right,” Dickinson said.
Nicole Kidman’s Award-Winning Performance
Despite the exhausting process, Kidman’s dedication appears to have paid off. At the Venice Film Festival’s early screening of Babygirl, she was awarded the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Critics have already lauded her raw, unfiltered portrayal of Romy, which is expected to be one of the most talked-about performances of the year.
Kidman’s portrayal is both vulnerable and powerful, capturing the essence of a woman grappling with ambition, desire, and the consequences of crossing professional boundaries. Her willingness to step into such an emotionally taxing role reflects her commitment to evolving as an actress, even after decades in the industry.
What Makes ‘Babygirl’ Stand Out?
Unlike many mainstream films that feature s***** dynamics, Babygirl aims to challenge traditional narratives. Director Reijn strives to create a story that’s not only provocative but also thoughtful, focusing on how women navigate power and intimacy within the workplace. By positioning a female character at the center of this intense story, the film attempts to redefine how female desire and professional ambition can coexist, clash, and ultimately transform a character’s life.
Kidman’s portrayal of Romy serves as the heartbeat of this narrative, showcasing a character who is both deeply flawed and fiercely determined. The film’s bold script, coupled with Reijn’s distinctive direction, aims to resonate with audiences looking for a more nuanced depiction of female sexuality.
Conclusion
Babygirl promises to be one of the boldest films of the year, not only for its explicit content but also for its unflinching exploration of power, passion, and ambition. Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Romy is poised to be a standout, adding another impressive chapter to her illustrious career. Despite the exhaustion and challenges of filming, Kidman’s performance underscores her dedication to pushing boundaries as an actress.
So, if you’re looking for a film that’s more than just steamy scenes, Babygirl might be worth a watch. It’s a story that dives deep into the complexities of human desire and ambition, all while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re drawn to the provocative storyline or Kidman’s award-winning performance, one thing is certain: Babygirl is set to leave a lasting impact when it hits theaters on December 25.
