‘Babygirl’: Nicole Kidman “Exposes” Herself as Part of the Movie’s Promotion

Nicole Kidman is making headlines again, this time by laying herself bare—figuratively and maybe a bit literally—for her latest film, ‘Babygirl’. This erotic thriller has her stepping into some bold territory, and she’s not holding back in letting us know just how far she’s gone to bring it to life. At 57, she’s juggling a packed year with six big projects, but it’s this A24 drama that’s got everyone talking.

In ‘Babygirl’, Kidman plays Romy Mathis, a powerful CEO who risks it all—her career, her family—for a steamy affair with her younger intern, Samuel, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. Directed by Halina Reijn, the movie dives deep into themes of desire and control, with Kidman calling it a place she’s never been before as an actress. She’s teamed up with a strong cast, including Antonio Banderas as her husband Jacob and Sophie Wilde as her assistant Esme. It’s a role that’s already earned her praise, snagging the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival last year.

What’s got people buzzing is how open Kidman is about the experience. She’s described it as raw and exposing, admitting it took everything she had to pull it off. The film hit theaters in December 2024 and raked in over $63 million worldwide, proving it’s not just critics who are hooked—it’s a hit with audiences too. Now, it’s gearing up for a streaming release on Max come April 25, with an HBO debut the next day, April 26. I can’t wait to see how it plays out at home after all the theater chatter.

This isn’t Kidman’s only gig lately. She kicked off 2025 with ‘Expats’, a Prime Video series where she’s an American woman navigating life in Hong Kong alongside Brian Tee. Then there’s ‘Holland’, a thriller streaming on Prime Video starting March 27, where she’s a teacher in Michigan uncovering dark family secrets. It’s clear she’s keeping busy, and she’s made it a point to work with up-and-coming female directors like Reijn, a promise she’s stuck to since 2017.

For ‘Babygirl’, Kidman leaned into the chemistry with Dickinson, who’s 29 and fresh off roles like ‘The Iron Claw’. Their dynamic—on and off screen—drives the film, with scenes that push boundaries and spark debate. Banderas, a longtime friend since Kidman caught his Broadway show ‘Nine’ back in 2003, plays the husband caught in the mess. The movie’s steamy moments got a Valentine’s Day rerelease in theaters, and it’s been out for rent or purchase since late January.

Kidman’s not shy about why she took this on. She’s said the script, seen through a woman’s eyes, felt fresh and real. It’s less about the shock and more about showing a side of herself she hasn’t explored in her decades-long career. With a domestic box office total now topping $2.5 billion, she’s proving she can still surprise us. ‘Babygirl’ might’ve missed out on Oscar nods, but her fearless take on Romy is what’s keeping it in the conversation.

We’re seeing a different side of her this year—six projects, from streaming hits to big-screen risks, and she’s throwing herself into every one. ‘Babygirl’ stands out, though, because it’s not just another role. It’s Kidman exposing a piece of herself, and she’s betting we’ll stick around to watch. So far, it’s paying off.