In a bold departure that’s sending shockwaves through Hollywood, Nicole Kidman steps into her most provocative role yet in A24’s upcoming erotic thriller “Babygirl,” set to heat up theaters this Christmas Day.
The Oscar-winning actress transforms into Romy, a commanding CEO whose carefully constructed world begins to unravel when she enters a passionate affair with her young intern Samuel, played by rising star Harris Dickinson. The second trailer, released Tuesday by A24, pulls back the curtain on this explosive dynamic that’s already generating serious buzz in the industry.
“Being a CEO means being a nurturer and a collaborator,” Romy declares in the trailer—words that take on a darker meaning as the story unfolds. The footage reveals intimate moments between the leads, from charged elevator encounters to pulsing nightclub scenes, all building toward what promises to be a complex exploration of power, desire, and control in the modern workplace.
Director Halina Reijn, fresh from her success with “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” brings a fresh perspective to this provocative narrative. The film marks another milestone in Kidman’s conscious effort to collaborate with female directors, a pledge she made back in 2017 to work with a woman director every 18 months.
Speaking to People magazine, Kidman shared her trust in Reijn’s vision: “That’s what made it so compelling, being in the hands of Halina, because I knew she wasn’t going to exploit me. I felt very much a part of it. It’s the story that I wanted to be a part of—that I wanted to tell.”
The film has already made waves on the festival circuit, with Kidman capturing the Best Actress award at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. Critics are particularly intrigued by her portrayal of Romy, especially in scenes that dramatically shift the traditional power dynamics between boss and employee.
Antonio Banderas joins the cast as Romy’s husband, adding another layer to this complex narrative about marriage, desire, and workplace relationships. Sophie Wilde rounds out the main cast as Esme, Romy’s assistant, who becomes entangled in the growing tension between the leads.
The trailer’s most striking moments come from the chemistry between Kidman and Dickinson. “I think I have power over you,” Samuel taunts, “because I can make one call and you lose everything.” This loaded dynamic speaks to larger conversations about workplace relationships in the post-#MeToo era, making “Babygirl” more than just another erotic thriller.
The film tackles head-on the complex issues of power imbalances in the workplace but flips traditional narratives on their head. Through Reijn’s lens, the story explores not just the physical attraction between its leads but the psychological warfare that unfolds when personal and professional boundaries blur.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Romy confesses in the trailer’s final moments, echoing what might be audiences’ reactions when the film hits theaters on December 25. With its stellar cast, timely themes, and A24’s track record for pushing boundaries, “Babygirl” looks set to be one of the season’s most talked-about films.
This gripping workplace drama promises to challenge audiences’ expectations while delivering the kind of nuanced performance we’ve come to expect from Kidman. As Hollywood continues to grapple with questions of power, gender, and consent, “Babygirl” appears ready to add its voice to this crucial conversation.