Nicole Kidman explains why she had to pause filming sex scenes for new movie
Subscribe For Weekly Film News From Clarisse!
Subscribe For Your Free Life Cinematic Email!
Subscribe For Free To The Life Cinematic Newsletter!
I wish to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. You can find our privacy policy here.
Nicole Kidman shared the reason behind her decision to take a break from filming intimate scenes for her upcoming film, Babygirl.
The film, directed by Halina Reijn, known for her work on Bodies Bodies Bodies, tells the story of a high-powered CEO whose career and family stability are thrown into turmoil when she embarks on a romantic relationship with a younger intern.
At 58 years old, Kidman shares the screen with 64-year-old Antonio Banderas, who portrays her husband, and 28-year-old Harris Dickinson, known for his role in The Iron Claw, playing the character whose actions dramatically disrupt her life.
In an interview with The Sun, Kidman shared that acting alongside Banderas and Dickinson occasionally became quite overwhelming.
"There was a lot of openness and confidence among us, followed by feelings of irritation. It felt like we were saying, 'Just keep your distance,'" she explained.
Kidman went on to say, “During filming, there were moments when I felt like, ‘I can't take this anymore. Stay away from me. I really dislike this. It wouldn’t bother me if I never experienced this again! I'm done.’”
"It was constantly on my mind, to the point where it felt like I was nearing a burnout," she explained.
The Oscar-winning actress mentioned that she was initially drawn to the provocative project because it explored a realm she had never experienced before.
"I've constantly been on a journey as an actor," she shared. "I'm always asking myself, where haven't I gone? What new experiences can I discover as a person? This is a realm I had yet to explore."
Kidman has garnered acclaim for her role in Babygirl after the film debuted at the Venice Film Festival, where she won the award for Best Actress.
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+.
This offer is for new subscribers only. After the free trial period, the cost will be £8.99 per month. The plan will automatically renew unless you decide to cancel it.
Enjoy a week of complimentary access to Apple TV+.
This offer is available exclusively for new subscribers. After a free trial, the subscription will cost £8.99 per month. The plan will automatically renew until you decide to cancel it.
In a piece from Venice, Geoffrey Macnab of The Independent commented on her acting, stating: “While we’ve watched Kidman in television series such as The Perfect Couple and Expats, where her performances were impressive yet somewhat restrained and affected, in this role, she goes much further and explores the character more profoundly.”
"Reijn is a highly regarded theater actor in the Netherlands, widely recognized for her collaborations with the provocative director Ivo van Hove," he noted about the film's director.
“She brings out Kidman’s strongest performance in years, portraying a determined and fiercely independent businesswoman whose willingness to submit sexually never comes across as a flaw. Rather than falling into sleazy voyeurism, the film is clever, thought-provoking, and emotionally insightful.”
In her statement as director at the Venice Film Festival, Reijn mentioned that the relationship central to Babygirl enables Kidman and Dickinson's characters to explore their feelings of uncertainty regarding power dynamics, gender roles, age differences, social hierarchy, and basic instincts.
"Even though it may be considered off-limits, the thrill of that journey brings a sense of freedom and can be deeply restorative."
Babygirl is set to hit theaters on January 10, 2025.
