Nicole Kidman recently captivated audiences and critics alike with her daring role in “Babygirl”, directed by Halina Reijn. Known as the “Australian Swan,” Kidman plays Romy, a successful executive and devoted wife to her husband Jacob (played by Antonio Banderas), whose life takes a turbulent turn when she becomes entangled in a passionate affair with her young intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson). The explicit performance earned her high praise and even a Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival, positioning her as a strong contender for Best Actress at the Oscars.
Kidman Opens Up About the Challenges of Filming “Babygirl”
During a recent interview, Kidman revealed the emotional and physical toll of her performance alongside Banderas and Dickinson, admitting, “There were moments I thought, ‘I don’t want to be aroused like this anymore. Don’t touch me.’” The intensity of these scenes left Kidman feeling “stimulated” yet “exhausted,” even needing breaks during filming. She candidly shared, “It was almost like a kind of exhaustion that stays with you.”
Balancing Intimacy with Boundaries
In discussing the film’s intimate scenes, Kidman explained her preference for minimal involvement from intimacy coordinators to ensure authenticity. “I firmly believe in the sacredness of an actor’s space,” she said, adding that working with Reijn allowed her and her co-stars to express themselves freely and create chemistry without restrictions.
Kidman has long admired Halina Reijn’s work, making the decision to join Babygirl an easy one. Upon reading the script, she was both “intrigued and mesmerized.” She further emphasized her preference for working with female directors, which she finds empowering in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Kidman shared that collaborating with Reijn offered her a sense of safety and freedom. “When in Halina’s hands, I knew she would not exploit me. It felt like a story I wanted to tell and commit every part of myself to,” Kidman said, praising the supportive dynamic she shared with Dickinson and Banderas on set.
Kidman’s Pursuit of Bold, Uncharted Roles
The film Babygirl explores themes of sexuality and desire from the perspective of a powerful woman, something Kidman found both challenging and “liberating.” She explained that Reijn’s guidance made the filming process comfortable and safe, allowing her to explore new dimensions in her acting career. Kidman expressed her passion for finding groundbreaking roles that push her boundaries, adding that Babygirl allowed her to delve into untapped emotions and complexities as an actor.
In choosing this bold and provocative role, Nicole Kidman has once again proven her versatility and commitment to her craft, giving audiences a glimpse into the depth and courage of her talent.
