Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for “Babygirl,” currently showing in theaters.

Nicole Kidman boldly ventures into uncharted territory alongside writer-director Halina Reijn in the provocative new film “Babygirl,” which explores the tumultuous affair between the composed CEO Romy (Kidman) and her youthful intern Samuel (Harris Dickinson).

Set during the holiday season, the film, which recently won a prestigious Venice Volpi Cup, captures Kidman’s intense performance as Romy, a woman raised in a free-spirited cult who is subsequently thrust into a repressive corporate world that stifles her hidden desires. Notably, Romy has never experienced an orgasm with her husband Jacob (Antonio Banderas), complicating her yearning for thrill and intimacy, which Samuel seems eager to provide—foreshadowing an affair that could spiral out of control.

Reijn expounds on the film’s deeper narrative, stating, “The essence of this movie centers on the tension between conforming to societal expectations and embracing one's authentic self. This internal conflict is what drives so many of us.” She strings together sexuality and authenticity into a metaphor for the often convoluted relationships we maintain with ourselves and others, particularly in a world rife with stigma concerning sexual freedom.

Renowned in her own right as both an actress and director, Reijn is no stranger to the intricacies involved in filming intimate scenes. Unlike in the U.S., where intimacy coordinators are commonplace, such practices are often dismissed in European cinema, a concept Reijn challenges. Working with veteran intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot, she skillfully crafts sensual yet tasteful scenes that defy traditional boundaries, including an encounter that pushes Romy into a position of submission—evocative of a raw kink dynamic.

“A director can create deeper, more daring intimacy with the right guidance. It fosters safety and opens the door to creative possibilities,” Reijn emphasizes, positioning the presence of intimacy coordinators not just as a trend but as a necessary evolution in filmmaking. “Why gamble with an actor’s safety when a choreographed approach can elevate the scene's impact?”

One of the film’s most talked-about moments involves Samuel serving Romy a glass of milk—an act rich in symbolism and drawing from Reijn's personal life. This audacious scene, which has gone viral, highlights how sensuality often thrives in suggestion and intrigue rather than explicit physicality. Reijn recalls a past experience with an actor who offered her milk in a bar, citing it as an unexpectedly arousing moment that didn’t involve physical intimacy but was steeped in psychological allure.

Even more intriguing than the film’s steamy scenes may be Kidman's portrayal of Romy as she navigates a meticulous morning routine rife with Botox, cryotherapy, and other beauty rituals. These elements serve as a reflection of contemporary womanhood and the pressures tied to maintaining an ideal image—concerns that also resonate with Reijn herself.

“I wrote ‘Babygirl’ without Nicole in mind; I simply did not believe she would take on such a script,” Reijn confessed. Her own insecurities about appearance, combined with societal pressures to look youthful, shaped the narrative. She aimed to delve into what being a woman entails today, especially as the world continually pushes unrealistic beauty standards.

Romy's character development further explores the psychological compulsions connected to her upbringing in a cult-like environment and her subsequent struggle with self-acceptance. The inclusion of EMDR therapy in her routine serves to highlight mental health treatment's importance, reflecting Reijn's own journey and the rare glimpse it offers into the psyche of a woman grappling with her past.

In sharing her vision, Reijn warns about what happens when the quest for perfection overrides the acceptance of one’s true self: “What risks do we take to become who we think we should be instead of embracing our flawed nature?” It’s a powerful statement that resonates well beyond the screen.

As “Babygirl” continues to captivate audiences with its bold storytelling and complex characters, it remains on the cutting edge of cinematic exploration. Don’t miss the chance to witness this thrilling journey—now playing in theaters, courtesy of A24.