Nicole Kidman, the acclaimed Hollywood actress known for her powerful performances, is once again making headlines. At 57, she is set to star in the highly anticipated erotic thriller “Babygirl,” which will premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30. The film, directed by Helena Reason, features an impressive cast including Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole shared her apprehensions about the film. She candidly revealed that she has pushed her boundaries further than ever before. Despite her extensive experience in the industry, Nicole admitted that this role left her feeling vulnerable. “To be honest, I’m a bit scared,” she confessed. “I’ve done scenes like this before, but never to this extent. There were moments during the shoot when I didn’t want anyone to come near me. It’s not something I’m eager to repeat, but the script demanded it.”
Nicole’s role in “Babygirl” is that of a successful CEO who seems to have it all—a stable career and a happy marriage with her husband, played by Antonio Banderas. However, the story takes a dramatic turn when a new intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson, joins her company. The film delves into the complexities of their relationship as they explore their sexualities, leading to intense and provocative scenes that have left Nicole feeling exposed.
Working with director Helena Reason was both a challenge and a comfort for Nicole. In her interview, she mentioned that the experience was emotionally taxing for both of them. “Helena and I held onto each other many times during the shoot. It was a struggle to get through some scenes. And now that the film is about to be seen by the world, it’s a strange feeling. These are moments that you usually keep hidden, not something you want everyone to see,” she said.
Nicole’s unease about the film has led her to question her choices. “As an actress, a woman, and a human being, I feel like I’ve exposed a lot of myself. After shooting this film, I started questioning myself—what have I done? Why did I do it? Should I have done it?” she shared.
“Babygirl” is set to hit cinemas on December 25, just in time for the holiday season. After its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the film will also be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10. With its compelling narrative and Nicole Kidman’s bold performance, “Babygirl” is already generating significant buzz and is sure to be a talked-about release this year.