Nicole Kidman expresses that her latest film, “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller, was a liberating project that offered her a sense of freedom and empowerment. She hopes that the film, which delves into complex themes of sexuality and desire, will resonate with women as a “liberating story.”
During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Kidman discussed the provocative nature of the movie, emphasizing its exploration of intimate themes.
“This film obviously is about sex, it’s about desire, it’s about your inner thoughts, it’s about secrets, it’s about marriage, it’s about truth, power, consent,” Kidman stated. “This is one woman’s story. And this is I hope a very liberating story. It’s told through a woman’s gaze … and that’s to me what made it so unique … It was freeing.”
Kidman credited her comfort on set to working with Halina Reijn, the film’s director known for “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” She emphasized how the collaboration with a female director played a significant role in ensuring a respectful and supportive environment.
“I knew she wasn’t going to exploit me. However anyone interprets that, I didn’t feel exploited. I felt very much a part of that,” Kidman explained. “There was enormous caretaking by all of us, we were all very gentle with each other and helped each other. It felt very authentic, protected and, at the same time, real.”
“Babygirl,” produced by A24, features Kidman in the role of a powerful CEO who risks her career and family by engaging in a passionate affair with her much younger intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, and Esther McGregor, adding to its dynamic ensemble cast.
In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Kidman admitted to feeling vulnerable about showcasing the film at Venice. “I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she remarked. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”
Director Halina Reijn, in her notes for “Babygirl,” reflected on the film’s deeper themes, which explore human desires and personal taboos. “All of us carry a little black box filled with taboo fantasies that we might never share with anyone,” Reijn said. “I am fascinated by the duality of human nature, and this film is an attempt to shine a light, without judgement, on the opposing forces that make up our personalities. To me, feminism is the freedom to study a woman’s vulnerability, love, shame, rage and inner beast.”
Following its debut at Venice, “Babygirl” is set for its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and will be released in theaters on December 25.
