Nicole Kidman Says Erotic Thriller ‘Babygirl’ Was ‘Very Freeing’ to Make: ‘I Didn’t Feel Exploited’

As a seasoned cinephile with decades of film viewing under my belt, I must say that Nicole Kidman‘s latest offering, “Babygirl,” has piqued my interest significantly. The fact that it delves into themes often untouched by mainstream cinema, particularly from a woman’s perspective, makes it a truly intriguing prospect.


Nicole Kidman expresses optimism that the upcoming erotic thriller, “Babygirl,” will serve as a liberating tale for women, since she personally found the process of creating it incredibly empowering.

During a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Kidman addressed the explicit themes of the movie, stating that it explores “sexuality, desire, inner feelings, secrets, marital issues, honesty, power, and consent.”

“I found myself deeply moved as she expressed, ‘This is a tale woven by one remarkable woman, and I believe it offers a profound sense of liberation. The narrative is shaped by the perspective of Halina [Reijn], who penned and directed it, which to me makes it truly exceptional. Having a female creative force guide us through this material felt intimate, resonating with our collective feminine intuition and offering a remarkable sense of freedom.'”

In this gripping A24 production, Nicole Kidman plays a strong CEO character who jeopardizes both career and family as she embarks on a passionate relationship with her younger intern (portrayed by Harris Dickinson). Additionally featuring Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, and Esther McGregor.

Working with a female director, specifically Halina Reijn on the film “Bodies Bodies Bodies”, made Kidman feel at ease during filming.

In my perspective, I had no inkling she would take advantage of me. Regardless of how others might perceive it, I never felt exploited. Instead, I felt deeply involved in the experience. The level of consideration and tender care we all showed each other was truly remarkable. We were incredibly gentle with one another, offering help whenever needed. It all felt genuine, secure, and at the same time, tangible.

Director Reijn expressed admiration for Paul Verhoeven’s work and desired to contribute creatively within that realm. In contrast to Verhoeven’s films, her upcoming erotic production aims to emphasize the perspective of women, often referred to as the “female perspective” or “female gaze.”

“She pointed out that just because a movie isn’t explicitly about these topics, it doesn’t exclude the possibility that it tackles themes like masculinity, power, control, and sexuality.”

As a film aficionado, I recently found myself reflecting on the vulnerability I felt during the premiere of a movie I starred in at Venice. It was as if I bared my soul, not just as an actress, but as a woman and a human being. The experience left me feeling vulnerable, like I needed to reapply my emotional armor. I couldn’t help but wonder, what have I just unveiled? Where did I go during that performance? What did I expose about myself in the process?

“Reijn mentioned in the press notes for ‘Babygirl’ that we all possess a small, mysterious box containing hidden desires that we might never reveal to others. This film aims to explore the complexities of human nature by shedding light on the contrasting aspects within us, without passing judgement. For me, feminism is about having the liberty to examine a woman’s vulnerability, love, embarrassment, anger, and inner wildness.” (Paraphrased)

Following Venice, the film titled “Babygirl” will make its debut in North America at the Toronto Film Festival, and it’s scheduled for release on December 25th.

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2024-08-30 15:16