Nicole Kidman recently shared insights into the making of her new erotic thriller Babygirl, highlighting the deep trust and understanding that was essential on set. During a Q&A session at The London West Hollywood in Los Angeles on October 18, Kidman was joined by co-star Harris Dickinson and writer-director Halina Reijn to discuss their experiences working on the film.
Reflecting on the film’s exploration of kink and power dynamics, Kidman emphasized how crucial trust was in developing the intense and complex relationship between her character and Dickinson’s. “We would look at each other and say, ‘Okay,'” Kidman recalled. “There was an enormous amount of trust needed.”
Dickinson, known for his role in The Iron Claw, echoed this sentiment. “Of course, there were days when I was really nervous about a scene or unsure how I’d get through it,” he shared. “But we always made sure that if something wasn’t working or felt uncomfortable, we took a moment. We never rushed it.”
Kidman credited director Reijn for creating a safe and supportive environment on set. “I’ve always been curious as an actor, always looking for new areas to explore. This was uncharted territory for me,” she explained. “But with Halina at the helm, I felt comfortable taking that leap.”
In Babygirl, Kidman plays a powerful executive who starts an affair with a young intern, played by Dickinson, while her character’s husband (Antonio Banderas) remains unaware. The film flips traditional narratives, presenting a woman in a position of power exploring her sexuality and desire, which Kidman found “liberating” at times.
“The experience was challenging, even confronting, but there was always a sense of trust,” she said. “Halina reassured me, ‘I’ll protect you. Nothing will be in the film that makes you uncomfortable. You’re safe.’ That was everything.”
However, the role took a toll on Kidman. Ahead of the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival, she admitted to Vanity Fair that the character left her feeling “ragged.” “There were moments when I just didn’t want to be touched, didn’t want to keep going. But at the same time, I felt compelled to finish what we started,” she shared. “Halina and I supported each other through those tough moments.”
Speaking at a Venice press conference, Kidman addressed concerns about the film’s intimate scenes, assuring that she never felt exploited. “Being in Halina’s hands was what made it compelling. I knew she wasn’t going to exploit me. I felt respected, and I was a part of telling this story from the beginning.”
The collaborative effort between the cast and crew fostered an environment of care and gentleness. “We were all very gentle with each other and helped each other through the process,” Kidman added.
Babygirl is set to hit theaters on December 25.
