Nicole Kidman has officially stepped onto the promotional stage for her latest film, 'Babygirl,' dressed to impress. On Monday evening, the actress—who portrays the character of Romy, a high-powered CEO embroiled in scandalous affairs—graced the set of the 'Late Show with Stephen Colbert.' She showcased her business-ready aesthetic wearing a fitted black pinstriped suit paired with a 'Babygirl' T-shirt, signaling her commitment to her role and the film's marketing efforts.
'Babygirl' is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day in the United States, and its narrative intricacies are drawing comparisons to classic thrillers like 'Fatal Attraction.' Directed and written by Halina Reijn, the film delves deep, exploring themes of self-exploration and liberation through the perspective of a woman grappling with personal turmoil as she embarks on a disastrous affair with her much younger intern, Samuel, played by Harris Dickinson.
Reijn's inspiration for 'Babygirl' stemmed from several sources—her friend’s life experience of dissatisfaction within marriage, coupled with pivotal 80s and 90s erotic thrillers such as 'Basic Instinct' and '9 1/2 Weeks.' These influences helped shape the film's narrative foundation. Reijn's collaboration with Paul Verhoeven—a key figure behind 'Basic Instinct'—also significantly informed her creative process. She commented, 'Verhoeven himself was also a major source of inspiration,' indicating the deep ties between classic storytelling and contemporary female-driven narratives.
During promotional activities, Kidman reflected on her experience working on 'Babygirl,' describing it as 'an utterly new experience' for her. She became so immersed in her character's mindset, she humorously recounted the time she accidentally hailed a cab during filming, unintentionally remaining in character throughout the mishap. The dedication Kidman displayed, coupled with her willingness to embrace the character's emotional range, adds layers to her performance, which is being praised both by critics and audiences.
'There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to [simulate] orgasm anymore. Don’t come near me,' Kidman shared, underscoring the intensity of some scenes and the importance of having intimacy coordinators on set. These exchanges not only highlight Kidman's commitment but also the challenging nature of portraying vulnerable emotions on screen.
Part of what makes 'Babygirl' stand out is its reimagining of gender dynamics traditionally portrayed in films of its kind. This modern twist offers audiences fresh insights, with Kidman’s character, Romy, facing her own existential crisis amid her ‘dancing’ power dynamics with her younger counterpart. The film showcases how roles are reversed, marking significant thematic evolution from earlier productions.
Halina Reijn was particularly anxious to cast actors who could embody the narrative’s depth. She noted the need for Romy's husband, portrayed by Antonio Banderas, to be ‘very, very attractive and very masculine' to shift focus back onto Romy’s internal struggles rather than her external relationships. This choice of casting indicates how thoughtfully the film traverses the often turbulent waters of relationships.
Adding to 'Babygirl's' allure is the film's score, featuring contributions from notable artists like Sky Ferreira, who expressed her excitement about tailoring music uniquely for the film. Ferreira mentioned, 'I was pretty excited' to be approached for original work, affirming how music and film can synergistically create memorable narratives.
The production itself took innovative turns, with some scenes filmed at the real offices of A24, lending authenticity to the corporate backdrop against which the story plays out. This crossover between production and story signifies how contemporary films are increasingly blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The promotional tour continues to make waves, not just for Kidman's fashion choices but for how she is redefining notions of power and femininity through her portrayal. More than just another film premiere, 'Babygirl' stands as part of Kidman's legacy of roles challenging societal expectations.
One can’t help but ponder how Kidman's strategic partnership with A24, known for pushing creative boundaries, will impact her career and subsequent roles. Several viewers have expressed eagerness to witness how this film not only entertains but also serves as commentary on youthful ambition, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment.
On the sphere of fashion, Kidman's pinstripe suit has been embraced as part of the 'office siren' trend, linking her visual persona to the themes within 'Babygirl.' This modern fusion of style and narrative reflects a cultural reckoning with workplace aesthetics, indicating how even red carpet appearances can carry subtextual weight.
'Babygirl' promises to be more than just another tale of workplace romance; it is positioned to be a commentary on the complex narratives women live through, made even more poignant by Kidman’s powerful depiction. With anticipation building toward its release, audiences are ready to unravel the layers of Kidman's latest venture, reminding us why she remains at the pinnacle of Hollywood cinema.
