Nicole Kidman makes a return to the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of “Babygirl” on Friday. The film, an erotic drama, tells the story of a powerful CEO who risks her career and family life through an affair with a younger intern. Directed by Halina Reijn, known for “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” the film draws inspiration from erotic thrillers by directors like Paul Verhoeven and Adrian Lyne. Antonio Banderas portrays Kidman’s character’s husband, and Harris Dickinson stars as the intern.
In her director’s statement, Reijn mentioned that “The affair at the heart of ‘Babygirl’ allows Romy and Samuel to play out their confusion around power, gender, age, hierarchy, and primal instinct.” Despite its forbidden nature, the exploration is described as liberating and healing.
Competing at Venice, “Babygirl” shares the stage with films like “Maria” and the forthcoming “The Room Next Door,” “Queer,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Award winners will be revealed on Sept. 7.
Kidman previously graced Venice with the controversial film “Eyes Wide Shut” 25 years ago. Despite her history of boundary-pushing roles, she admits feeling slightly nervous about this latest project. In her own words to Vanity Fair, “I’ve made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”
“A24” will release “Babygirl” in theaters on Dec. 25.