Nicole Kidman: 'Babygirl' Called ‘Most Disturbing Film Ever’
Nicole Kidman is opening up about her bold role in Babygirl, a provocative new film where she plays an older woman navigating power, desire, and identity.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on December 4, the 57-year-old actress explained her decision to star in the movie, describing it as deeply personal and groundbreaking. The film follows Romy, a high-powered CEO whose life unravels when she embarks on a passionate affair with her much younger intern, Samuel, played by Harris Dickinson.
“This movie makes me feel seen,” Kidman shared. “Someone told me it was the scariest film they’d ever watched, and I said, ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry!’ But for me, it’s a story about rawness and vulnerability.”
Kidman praised Babygirl for presenting a narrative rarely seen on screen—an exploration of female sexuality and identity beyond youth. “At a certain point in their sexual lives, women often face rejection or invisibility,” she said. “Seeing this portrayed in such a beautiful way felt incredibly meaningful. This wasn’t written for a 20-year-old. It’s a voice and perspective I haven’t seen or played before—and I don’t think audiences have either.”
Romy, as Kidman describes her, is a paradox: a woman in control professionally but lost personally. “She has all this power but doesn’t know who she is or what she truly wants. That felt so relatable to me,” she said.
Set for release on December 25, Babygirl is directed by Halina Reijn and is already sparking intense reactions. Kidman called the project “raw and dangerous,” adding, “It’s about stepping into spaces we often shy away from—and I’m proud to have done that with this film.”
Nicole Kidman admits she was surprised by the support behind Babygirl's daring narrative. “I couldn’t believe they were giving us the money to make it,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “The sexual side of it—we didn’t craft this for a 20-year-old, and honestly, no one over 30 should even read it,” she joked.
Over the years, fans have seen Kidman shine in many roles, but this project, especially its exploration of intimacy, pushed her boundaries in unexpected ways. “I still blush!” she admitted, reflecting on the numerous intimate scenes in the film. “That’s crazy, right? But maybe it’s a good thing. I’m not naturally outgoing in that way, but this role made me feel more like myself. Still, revealing everything would feel sacrilegious.”
Despite her reserved nature, Kidman also shared a surprising personal detail: her love for raves. “I’m a small-party person,” she quipped, adding another layer to her complex persona.
Her co-star, Harris Dickinson, 28, has spoken highly of their work together, particularly on the intimate scenes. Speaking to Variety in October, Dickinson praised their collaboration and the careful guidance of the film’s intimacy coordinator. “We’d set the boundaries together, talk about what we were comfortable with, and then Nicole and I found our own rhythm within those parameters,” he explained. “The intimacy coordinator made sure everything was safe and respectful while keeping the focus on the story.”
The chemistry between the two stars has been widely praised, adding to the anticipation surrounding Babygirl, set to release on December 25.