Nicole Kidman was recently challenged outside her comfort zone while working on the erotic thriller ‘Babygirl’. The 57-year-old actress takes on the role of chief executive Romy in the movie, who is married to Jacob (played by Antonio Banderas) but finds herself entangled in a steamy affair with her intern Samuel (portrayed by Harris Dickinson). Kidman shared that the provocative subject matter was a big draw for her involvement in the film, describing it as “exciting and bold”. During an appearance on ‘The Graham Norton Show’, Kidman expressed her enthusiasm for the script, stating that she was always eager to explore roles that pushed her boundaries. She emphasised her support for women in the industry and the importance of portraying stories from a female perspective.
For Kidman, the allure of ‘Babygirl’ lay not only in its unconventional storyline but also in its focus on the female voice. She highlighted the film’s unique approach in telling the narrative through a woman’s lens, a departure from the typical male-centric viewpoint often seen in similar genres. The actress found the script compelling and intriguing, even admitting to being personally “turned on” by its content. Kidman noted the unpredictable nature of the plot and the constant sense of surprise and intrigue that drew her deeper into the story.
Despite her initial attraction to the project, Kidman revealed that filming the intimate scenes posed challenges for her. While working alongside co-stars Harris and Antonio, as well as director Halina Reijn, she experienced moments of emotional fatigue and vulnerability. The actress described the intense filming process as emotionally taxing, with the constant exposure and intimacy requiring a significant level of trust and collaboration amongst the cast and crew. Kidman candidly shared her feelings of exhaustion and frustration during certain scenes, emphasising the importance of creating a safe environment for such challenging performances.
‘The Graham Norton Show’ is set to showcase Kidman’s insights into her experience filming ‘Babygirl’, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of portraying such intimate and emotionally charged scenes on screen. The actress’s dedication to her craft and willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone underscore her commitment to delivering compelling and authentic performances. As Kidman continues to explore diverse and challenging roles, her work in ‘Babygirl’ stands as a testament to her versatility and talent in bringing complex characters to life.
In an industry where storytelling often skews towards a male perspective, Kidman’s involvement in ‘Babygirl’ reflects a growing shift towards amplifying female voices and narratives. By embracing roles that push boundaries and challenge societal norms, the actress continues to make a significant impact in shaping the representation of women in film. As audiences await the release of ‘Babygirl’, Kidman’s portrayal of Romy promises to be a gripping and powerful exploration of desire, intimacy, and the complexities of human relationships.