Nicole Kidman on the Venice red carpet for ‘Babygirl’ on ThursdayAlberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images
Nicole Kidman stole the spotlight on Thursday, August 30, 2024, when her new film Babygirl premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The audience at the prestigious event was captivated by the erotic thriller, which received a thunderous seven-minute ovation after the screening. Kidman, along with the movie’s director Halina Reijn, and co-stars Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, and Sophie Wilde, attended the event.
As the applause rang through the Sala Grande, Kidman and Reijn could be seen embracing and exchanging excited words. The cheers and applause from the audience only ceased when the cast and crew were escorted out of the building. The film, produced by A24, made an impressive debut, leaving a significant mark on the festival.
The film, Babygirl, revolves around Kidman’s portrayal of a powerful CEO who risks her career and reputation by engaging in a passionate affair with a much younger intern. The story is intense, filled with themes of power, consent, and desire. This bold narrative, coupled with Kidman’s electric performance, made the movie one of the most anticipated screenings at the festival.
Earlier in the day, Kidman spoke to the press about her experience working on Babygirl. She described the process as “freeing,” crediting the film’s all-female creative team for making the experience unique and empowering. Kidman explained that the film touches on many issues beyond its erotic surface. “Yes, it’s about sex,” she said, “but it’s also about desire, inner thoughts, secrets, marriage, truth, power, and consent.” Kidman emphasized that this was a story about a woman’s journey and that working with a female director made the material feel even more personal and profound.
Halina Reijn, the film’s director, echoed Kidman’s sentiments. She spoke about her desire to make a movie that explored feminine desire and the many complexities of women’s relationships with their own bodies. “At its core, the film is about the question, ‘Can I love myself in all my different layers?’” Reijn said. She hopes the film will encourage viewers to reflect on their own lives and embrace the themes of self-love and liberation that lie at the heart of the story.
One of the boldest moments in Reijn’s comments came when she addressed the gender disparities in pleasure, saying, “The orgasm gap still exists, and it’s something we need to talk about.” Her comments sparked both laughter and applause, underscoring the daring and provocative nature of Babygirl.
The cast also played a vital role in bringing the film to life. Harris Dickinson, who portrays the younger intern caught in a forbidden romance with Kidman’s character, was praised for his performance. Antonio Banderas added his own charm to the film, rounding out a cast that is both diverse and talented. Sophie Wilde, the breakout star, also received praise for her performance and on-screen chemistry with Kidman.
As the film wrapped up its Venice premiere, it’s already being hailed as a potential awards contender. With its blend of intense emotion, sensuality, and deep introspection, Babygirl offers something new to the world of cinema. A24, the studio behind the film, will take it next to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before its official release in the U.S. on Christmas Day.
Nicole Kidman’s performance, paired with Reijn’s fearless storytelling, has brought a fresh, feminine perspective to a genre that often lacks nuanced female representation. Both Kidman and Reijn have expressed hopes that the film will spark conversations around love, power, and the complexities of human relationships.
The Venice Film Festival premiere was only the beginning for Babygirl. With its bold themes and star-studded cast, it’s expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. The audience’s standing ovation and the buzz surrounding the movie are clear signs that Babygirl is already making waves. As the movie prepares to hit theaters worldwide, many are eager to see how it will be received by a broader audience and whether it will live up to its early acclaim.
Nicole Kidman continues to prove that she is one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood, willing to take risks and tackle challenging roles. With Babygirl, she adds yet another powerful performance to her already impressive filmography. As the film heads to TIFF and beyond, all eyes will be on Kidman and Reijn, waiting to see if the film can maintain its momentum and make a lasting impact.
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