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Nicole Kidman has opened up about her experience working on the erotic thriller Babygirl, emphasizing how safe she felt under the direction of Halina Reijn, a female writer-director. The film, which is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Friday, August 30, marks a significant collaboration between the acclaimed actress and the visionary director.
During a press conference ahead of the screening, Kidman expressed her trust in Reijn, stating, “That’s what made it so compelling, was being in the hands of Halina because I knew she wasn’t gonna exploit me.” She further elaborated on her experience, saying, “I mean, however anyone interprets that, I didn’t feel exploited. I felt very much a part of it. It’s the story that I wanted to be a part of, that I wanted to tell. And every part of me was committed to that.”
Kidman’s Speaking with Vanity Fair comments highlight the importance of a trusting relationship between an actor and director, particularly in a genre as sensitive as erotic thrillers. The Big Little Lies star was quick to praise not only Reijn but also the entire cast and crew of Babygirl. “There was enormous care taken by all of us. We were all very, very gentle with each other and helped each other,” Kidman shared, underscoring the collaborative spirit on set.
In Babygirl, Kidman plays a high-powered CEO who becomes embroiled in an affair with a younger man, portrayed by Harris Dickinson, while her on-screen husband, played by Antonio Banderas, remains unaware. The film delves into the complexities of desire, power, and betrayal, offering a fresh perspective through a female lens.
Kidman highlighted the uniqueness of the film’s approach, noting, “This is one woman’s story, and this is, I hope, a very liberating story. It’s told by a woman through her gaze … and that’s what, to me, made it so unique, was that suddenly I was gonna be in the hands of a woman with this material.”
The collaboration between Kidman and Reijn has generated considerable buzz ahead of the film’s release. With its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Babygirl is poised to be a significant entry in the genre, offering audiences a narrative shaped by a distinctly female perspective.
Kidman’s reflections on the project not only highlight her commitment to the role but also underscore the evolving dynamics of filmmaking, where trust and creative partnership play crucial roles in bringing complex stories to life.
