Nicole Kidman’s outstanding roles can no longer be counted. The Aussie’s most Hollywood return is with Babygirl, an erotic thriller that topped the Venice Film Festival.
In this film, directed by Halina Raine (Bodies Bodies Bodies), the star plays a businessman, the director of a large company, who has a secret affair with his intern (Harris Dickinson), who is much younger than him. Babygirl explores the issue of female desire and the many unspoken fantasies of a powerful woman who is firmly enamored with her husband (Antonio Banderas).
After the big premiere on August 30, the actor received one of the longest standing ovations of the festival – more than six minutes of applause in total.
Among the first reactions – from festival-goers and professionals – we find comparisons with Nicole Kidman’s most intense film to date, Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut”, in which she starred opposite Tom Cruise.
During her career, Nicole Kidman has repeatedly revived sultry projects and caused reactions at festivals, for example, with Lee Daniels’ The Paperboy, where she shared several hot scenes with Zac Efron.
Child’s reaction:
“Babygirl by Halina Rainey is delicious and entertaining. Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson are both sensational. (…) It’s hard not to think of Eyes Wide Shut, as it shows a rich and sexy Nicole Kidman and also against a dreamy depiction of New York. The story isn’t perfect and the ending seems a bit too corny, but these are minor flaws for a movie that’s definitely worth seeing.“
“Don’t miss Nicole Kidman, a suicidal terrorist who with Halina Raine subverts pleasure and feminine conventions in the hilarious #Babygirl, a film that makes Paul Verhoeven proud, but also Audrey Divan and the new wave of directors.“
“Halina Rainey’s Babygirl is an erotic, sexy and funny thriller that explores desire through the female gaze and the power dynamics in the game of seduction. Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson are electric together and have an undeniable chemistry that carries the film and the audience.“
“Babygirl makes no apologies for being sexy and nasty, with bold performances from Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. These two turn up the heat every time they’re on screen, and Dickinson has never been more desirable. I wish other themes were given as much attention in the film.”
“The most shocking thing about Babygirl is the sex scene on stage with INXS in Our Lord 2024..”
“Halina Rainey’s Babygirl is a poorly directed and poorly coordinated attempt at erotic cinema. Harris Dickinson’s charming charm can’t save his poorly written character, and Nicole Kidman isn’t convincing enough, even if we see her trying.
His humor saves furniture.“
“Babygirl is an erotic film at the height of childishness and sadomasochistic discount for schoolgirls, the frozen and idiotic cousin of the wide-eyed Frozen, Liaison Fatale and Basic Instinct. Nicole Kidman certainly believes it, but 20 years ago the secretary finally said it all and better. #Venice81“
Babygirl is expected in US theaters on December 25. No French release date yet.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
