Nicole Kidman captivated the Venice Film Festival audience with her daring performance in the highly anticipated erotic thriller Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn. The film had its world premiere on August 30 at the iconic Sala Grande, where it received a rapturous standing ovation that lasted for a full seven minutes, leaving the festival buzzing with excitement.
A Star-Studded Premiere
Kidman was joined on the red carpet by her co-stars Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, and Sophie Wilde, as well as director Halina Reijn. The premiere was a glamorous affair, with fans erupting in cheers as Kidman made her entrance in a stunning Schiaparelli Couture creation, designed by Daniel Roseberry. The Oscar-winning actress was dressed in a nude organza corset bustier adorned with black sequins that cascaded into fringes, paired with a black velvet skirt and stilettos. The look was both elegant and bold, setting the tone for the evening.
The event was attended by a host of celebrities, many of whom were guests of Armani, including Camila Mendes, Lili Reinhart, Chase Stokes, and Eva Green. The premiere quickly became the talk of the festival, with Babygirl emerging as one of the most discussed films at this year’s Venice Film Festival.
Babygirl: A Modern Take on the Erotic Thriller
Babygirl tells the story of Romy, a powerful and polished CEO in New York who risks everything when she embarks on a torrid affair with a much younger intern. Nicole Kidman plays Romy, a woman trapped in a passionless marriage to her sweet but distant husband, portrayed by Antonio Banderas. Harris Dickinson stars as Samuel, the intern who becomes the object of Romy’s desire, while Sophie Wilde plays Esme, Romy’s assistant.
The film, directed and written by Halina Reijn, runs for 108 minutes and is produced by A24. Reijn, who previously directed Bodies Bodies Bodies for A24, revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that Babygirl was inspired by the erotic thrillers of the 1990s, particularly those directed by Paul Verhoeven. She cited films like Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, and 9 1/2 Weeks as influences, explaining that her goal was to explore sexuality through a female lens and bridge the “orgasm gap” in Hollywood.
Reijn expressed her desire to bring honesty and humor to the portrayal of sex on screen, acknowledging the cultural shift toward a more reserved approach to sexuality in recent years. “We have all these new rules about consent, which are amazing and super important. But at the same time, we are still animalistic, and we need to still look at that part of ourselves,” she said.
Kidman’s Powerful Performance
Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Romy has already garnered praise, with critics highlighting her fearless approach to the character. During the press conference following the premiere, Kidman spoke about the liberating experience of working with a female director like Reijn. She described the film as a story that delves into themes of “desire, inner thoughts, marriage, truth, power, and consent,” adding that she felt “very deep and freeing” being a part of the project.
“I think that’s what made it so compelling, was being in the hands of Halina [as my director], because I knew she wasn’t going to exploit me. I mean, however anyone interprets it, I didn’t feel exploited. I felt very much a part of it,” Kidman said, emphasizing the importance of telling Romy’s story with authenticity and respect.
Harris Dickinson, who plays Samuel, also shared his admiration for Kidman, calling her “a living legend.” He noted that his character’s confusion and vulnerability as a young man were central to his performance, and he credited the film’s intimacy coordinator for helping the cast navigate the film’s more sensitive scenes.
An Electric Atmosphere and a Promising Future
The premiere of Babygirl was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, setting a high bar for the rest of the festival. The audience’s reaction suggests that the film has struck a chord, particularly with its bold exploration of complex themes through the lens of a female director. Early reviews have praised Kidman’s performance, with The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney commending her for her “physical and psychological fearlessness.”
Following the premiere, A24 hosted an exclusive bash at the iconic Hotel Cipriani, further cementing Babygirl as one of the hottest tickets at this year’s Venice Film Festival. As the film gears up for its official release on December 25, it’s clear that Babygirl is poised to make a significant impact both critically and commercially.
With its compelling narrative, star-studded cast, and fearless exploration of human desire, Babygirl promises to be a standout film in the coming awards season, continuing to generate buzz as it approaches its release date.
Tags: Babygirl movie, Nicole Kidman, Venice Film Festival, Halina Reijn, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, A24, erotic thriller, 2024 movies
