Nicole Kidman’s latest film, Babygirl, has sparked lively debate. The movie, directed by Halina Reijn, dives into a daring May-December romance.
NICOLE KIDMAN’S NEW ROLE
Kidman plays a tech CEO, Romy, who has an affair with Samuel, a much younger intern. The age-gap lovestory, while refreshing for some, has left others pondering societal norms.
Reijn, known for her bold approach in Bodies Bodies Bodies, defends the storyline.
“We internalise the male gaze and patriarchy, and we need to free ourselves from it.” according to Indie Wire
At 49, the Dutch filmmaker believes such relationships should feel normal. “If the genders were reversed, no one would blink. That’s insane.”
NICOLE KIDMAN’S ON SCREEN CHEMISTRY
Kidman, 57, and co-star Harris Dickinson, 28, bring palpable chemistry to the screen.
Romy, a powerful but vulnerable character, grapples with desires society expects her to suppress, according to Paste Magazine.
Kidman explained, “Women are often discarded as sexual beings at a certain age. This was beautiful – a chance to reclaim that narrative.”
The film’s steamy moments aim for authenticity. Reijn wanted the intimate scenes to feel “real” and not a glossy throwback to the 1990s.
POWER AND IDENTITY
She cited inspirations like Basic Instinct and Secretary but emphasised that modern sexuality is “stop-and-go” and often messy.
Reijn also admitted to finding humour in America’s “suppressed relationship” with sex.
“It mirrors my struggles,” she confessed in a chat with filmmaker Eugene Kotlyarenko.
South African audiences might relate to the themes of power and identity.
With changing cultural norms and gender dynamics, Babygirl feels timely. Local viewers may appreciate the film’s unapologetic exploration of mature women’s desires.
NICOLE KIDMAN AS ROMY
Kidman’s portrayal of Romy resonates globally, as she navigates questions of love, ambition, and self-discovery.
Reijn’s project also aligns with a trend of films tackling unconventional relationships, according to AOL.
Recent hits like The Perfect Find and The Idea of You prove there’s an appetite for such stories.
While critics debate their merits, audiences are tuning in, curious to see these fresh dynamics on screen.
Kidman has praised the story’s uniqueness. “From the minute I read it, I thought, ‘This is a voice we haven’t heard,’” she shared.
A STAR-STUDDED CAST
For her, Romy’s journey is universal. “She seems to have it all but doesn’t know what she truly wants. That’s relatable.”
The film also stars Antonio Banderas in a supporting role, adding extra allure to an already star-studded cast.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT AGE-GAP ROMANCES IN FILMS?
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