Nicole Kidman Dares to Be Provocative in Babygirl: A Tale of Desire, Power, and Reinvention

The award-winning actress explores untamed passion, forbidden dynamics, and the complexities of womanhood in Halina Reijn’s boundary-pushing drama.

Nicole Kidman is embracing her boldest role yet in Babygirl, the latest film from acclaimed writer-director Halina Reijn. In this provocative drama, Kidman plays a formidable CEO entangled in a torrid affair with her much younger intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. Her riveting performance earned her the prestigious Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival and has sparked major awards buzz. But for Kidman, this role is about more than accolades—it’s about challenging perceptions of desire and femininity.

“Women often get dismissed as sexual beings after a certain age,” Kidman told The Hollywood Reporter. “This script spoke to a voice and perspective I hadn’t seen before. From the moment I read it, I knew it was something unique—a space both I and the audience hadn’t explored.”

In Babygirl, Kidman’s character outwardly has it all: power, a loving husband (played by Antonio Banderas), and an enviable life. Yet, she’s consumed by an unfulfilled yearning—a need satisfied only through submission to her 20-something subordinate. The film delves deep into this taboo relationship, navigating themes of identity, autonomy, and raw, unfiltered desire.

“There are so many women who ask themselves, ‘What do I really want? Who am I beneath the roles I play in life?’” Kidman said. “This film offers an outlet for those questions. I’ve even had people tell me it’s the most disturbing movie they’ve ever seen—which I find oddly validating.”

Kidman’s performance oscillates between controlled vulnerability and unrestrained passion. Scenes contrasting her subdued intimacy with her husband and her primal, electrifying connection with Dickinson’s character presented a captivating challenge for the actress.

“These moments aren’t polished or ‘pretty,’ and that’s what makes them compelling,” she explained. “This kind of storytelling is why we need women in all aspects of filmmaking. It’s about authenticity, about showing the facets of human experience that are often hidden.”

Director Halina Reijn’s fearless approach to the material is evident throughout the film. Kidman praised her vision, emphasizing the importance of experiencing Babygirl in theaters alongside an audience. “There’s something extraordinary about watching a film like this collectively, instead of secretly streaming it alone,” she said.

A24 will release Babygirl in theaters on December 25, inviting viewers to confront its daring exploration of power, love, and self-discovery. As Kidman remarked, “This isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation to reflect on who we are and what we desire.”