Nicole Kidman Shines On and Off Screen in Erotic Thriller "Babygirl"

In her latest erotic thriller, "Babygirl," Nicole Kidman made a significant impact behind the scenes. Director Halina Reijn shared that Kidman played a crucial role in obtaining the rights to the classic INXS song "Never Tear Us Apart" for a key montage in the film.

Reijn reflected on the moment, stating, "We put it on the montage. I almost cried. My editor and I were screaming at each other." However, securing the rights was initially a challenge. The studio, A24, initially rejected the request; this left Reijn stressed. "They said no. It was a hard no. I didn’t sleep for a week. I tried every other song. Nothing worked," she admitted.

Faced with this setback, Reijn turned to Kidman, who had become a close ally throughout the process. "I called Nicole, just saying I was so depressed," Reijn recounted. Kidman responded, "Give me a couple of days." True to her word, she managed to secure the song's rights. "She got to the real people and she did it for us. Amazing," said Reijn.

In "Babygirl," Kidman portrays a powerful CEO who embarks on a steamy affair with a young intern played by Harris Dickinson. This film features a significant age gap, as Kidman is 57, while Dickinson is 28. The explicit nature of this relationship has elicited mixed reactions.

During an interview with W Magazine, Reijn addressed critics of the age difference between characters. She highlighted the absurdity of societal perceptions regarding age in romantic films. "If we see a movie where the male actor is the same age as the female actor, we find that odd," she stated. Reijn believes it should be normalized to see older women in diverse relationships, emphasizing the necessity to challenge patriarchal conventions.

In a prior conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Kidman expressed her feelings toward the film's early reviews, particularly one that deemed it "the most disturbing film" ever. "I think it’s very releasing, this film. I hope it is," Kidman responded, looking to be open about its content.

For Kidman, stepping into the role of an older woman exploring her sensuality was a compelling experience. "A lot of times women are discarded at a certain stage of their career as sexual beings," she noted. Kidman found it empowering to be portrayed in this light, claiming it showcased a narrative often overlooked.

Reflecting on her character, she mentioned, "From the minute I read it, I was like, this is a voice I haven’t seen, this is a place I haven’t been." This complexity highlights a woman's journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment despite societal expectations.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Emma Heming reflected on Bruce Willis' anniversary with mixed emotions.