Nicole Kidman’s Sexy, Sweaty ‘Babygirl’ Makes Venice Climax to 6.5-Minute Standing Ovation

As a seasoned movie critic who has witnessed the evolution of cinema from the black-and-white era to the digital age, I must say that Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson have once again proven their mettle as captivating actors in “Babygirl.” The film, directed by Halina Reijn, is a tantalizing exploration of power dynamics and human desire, set against the backdrop of a corporate world.


On the evening of Friday in Venice, Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson revitalized an aura of sensuality during the premiere of “Babygirl,” directed by Halina Reijn, a film known for its provocative and erotic scenes.

The film “Babygirl,” starring Kidman as a powerful CEO and Dickinson as her young intern who becomes involved in a romantic relationship with her, garnered significant acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, resulting in a prolonged 6-and-a-half-minute standing ovation that persisted even through the ending credits.

“On a sweltering Friday evening in Italy, where the heat soared to nearly 90 degrees, Kidman commented, ‘It’s really hot,’ before waving to admirers outside the Sala Grande Theatre. However, the film titled ‘Babygirl’ only added to the warmth as it unfolded. In this movie, Kidman portrays Romy, a character who engages in office sex games with her intern, marking one of her most sensual performances since ‘Eyes Wide Shut.’ “

At the conclusion of “Babygirl,” Kidman embraced Reijn, slightly reddening with embarrassment from the outpouring of applause.

Moments following the applause subsided, Dickinson was seen making his way to the gent’s restroom. He confided in a companion, “I nearly didn’t stick around,” and then went on to remark that he found the film “quite interesting.”

The lively film produced by A24 – set to debut in competition at the Venice Film Festival – also features Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, Esther McGregor, and, of course, Antonio Banderas himself.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself captivated by the intricate duality of human nature – a dance between forbidden desires hidden deep within us, often unspoken. With “Babygirl,” I aimed to illuminate this complex tapestry, refraining from judgement and instead highlighting the contrasting forces that shape our identities. To me, feminism means the empowerment to delve into a woman’s vulnerability, love, guilt, fury, and innermost ferocity without fear or apology.

Kidman, an Oscar, BAFTA, two-time Emmy and six-time Golden Globe winner, has history with Venice. At the 2004 edition she starred in Jonathan Glazer’s unsettling psychological drama “Birth,” which sparked controversy — and boos at the festival — over a scene in which she shared a bath with her 10-year-old co-star Cameron Bright. At the Venice press conference she address the controversy by saying, “It wasn’t that I wanted to make a film where I kiss a 10-year-old boy. I wanted to make a film where you understand love.”

Following Venice, the film titled “Babygirl” will make its debut in North America at the Toronto Film Festival, and is set to be released in December.

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2024-08-30 23:18