VENICE, ITALY—The Lido has once again become the epicenter of the film world as the Venice Film Festival unfolds, showcasing an array of cinema’s finest. One of the most anticipated films this year is “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller that delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships, power dynamics, and the blurred lines of consent. Headlined by the incomparable Nicole Kidman, the movie promises not just to intrigue but to spark wide-ranging conversations about modern love and desire.
“Babygirl,” directed by the talented Halina Reijn, made its much-anticipated world premiere on Friday. The film’s story revolves around a powerful female CEO, portrayed by Kidman, who navigates the perilous waters of an affair with a much younger male intern, played by Harris Dickinson. The plot thickens as her marriage and career hang in the balance, with Antonio Banderas delivering a compelling performance as her husband.
At a news conference held earlier in the day, Kidman delved into the film’s complex themes. “It’s about sex, yes, but also about desire, secrets, marriage, truth, power, and consent. It’s a very liberating story,” Kidman told the gathered media. She emphasized the unique perspective brought to the film by its female director, Halina Reijn. “It was told by a woman through her gaze,” Kidman remarked, adding that such a perspective added layers to the narrative.
Arriving in style by water taxi, Kidman, clad in a sophisticated black Bottega Veneta midi dress, radiated confidence despite confessing to a bout of nerves. Reflecting on her illustrious career, Kidman noted that she first came to the Venice Film Festival 25 years ago with Stanley Kubrick’s provocative film “Eyes Wide Shut.” Despite her long history of tackling bold and boundary-pushing roles, she admitted, “I hope my hands aren’t shaking.”
Kidman candidly discussed her ongoing fascination with exploring human nature, particularly from the female vantage point. “As an actor, I’m deeply interested in examining human beings on screen, especially women. This definitely leaves me exposed and frightened and vulnerable when it’s given to the world,” she said, emphasizing the film’s raw portrayal of its characters.
Reijn, well-known for her previous work on the anarchic slasher film “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” revealed her enthusiasm for diving into the themes of female desire and existential crises. She highlighted the importance of casting Banderas as the husband, noting that his handsome and masculine presence was crucial for the narrative. “It’s a cautionary tale about what happens when you suppress your own desires,” Reijn explained.
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Inspired by the erotic thrillers of the 1980s and 90s, the Dutch director aimed to craft a story that would not “punish” its characters, particularly the women. “I don’t want any of my characters to be punished. I just want them to be,” she asserted.
The intimate and authentic portrayal of the central affair required careful preparation and coordination between Kidman and Dickinson. The actors engaged in rehearsals in New York and worked closely with an intimacy coordinator to navigate the film’s steamy scenes comfortably. Kidman noted the “enormous care taken by all of us. We were all very gentle with each other and helped each other.”
Dickinson, portraying the young intern, found the script’s nuanced approach to exploring the confusion and complexities faced by young men today particularly enlightening. “Halina was always ready to dissect and challenge that nuance of behavior. That opened up a whole new world of the film,” Dickinson commented.
The film also examines generational differences in attitudes towards sex and intimacy, juxtaposing Keidman and Banderas’s characters against the younger pair played by Dickinson and Sophie Wilde. This dynamic added depth, making “Babygirl” more than just an erotic thriller but a commentary on the evolution of romantic and sexual norms.
As the night of the premiere approached, excitement within the film community was palpable. On the red carpet, Antonio Banderas was seen signing autographs for enthusiastic fans, while Kidman took a moment to speak with a man in a hospital bed, showcasing her down-to-earth demeanor. Inside the theater, anticipation peaked as the lights dimmed, culminating in a standing ovation from the audience.
“Babygirl” is among the films vying for the top honors at the Venice Film Festival, competing with other notable entries like “Maria,” “The Room Next Door,” “Queer,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The winners are set to be announced on September 7, but one thing is certain: Kidman’s performance and Reijn’s direction in “Babygirl” have already made a lasting impact.
As “Babygirl” gears up for its December release through A24, industry insiders and film enthusiasts alike are eager to witness the broader conversations this daring film will undoubtedly inspire. In a year already filled with cinematic triumphs, Nicole Kidman and “Babygirl” stand out as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of storytelling through the female gaze.
