Entertainment

Nicole Kidman Reveals Harsh Truths About Women in Hollywood: "Discarded" After a Certain Age

2024-12-05

Author: Kai

In a revealing interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Nicole Kidman opened up about her new role in the provocative thriller *Babygirl*, where she portrays an older woman navigating the complexities of desire and power. At 57, the acclaimed actress shared her thoughts on the harsh realities women face in the film industry, particularly as they age.

Kidman plays Romy, a high-powered CEO who finds herself entangled in a steamy affair with her much younger intern. “A lot of times, women are discarded at a certain period in their career as sexual beings. So it was really beautiful to be seen in this way,” she reflected on her character, emphasizing the importance of representing older women authentically in cinema.

The script captivated Kidman the moment she read it. “This is a voice I haven’t seen; this is a place that I haven’t been, and I don’t think audiences have been either,” she expressed, highlighting the rarity of such roles for women over 40. She pointed out that the character of Romy was specifically crafted not for a youthful actress but with an older perspective in mind.

Kidman resonated deeply with Romy’s identity crisis, admitting that even powerful women can question their self-worth and desires. She articulated this struggle many face: “There are many women who are wondering, ‘Well, I’ve done this, I’ve got children, I’ve got this husband... What do I actually want? Who am I and what are my desires? Do I have to pretend to be something else for people to love me?’”

The film, which has sparked controversy with some claiming it to be “the most disturbing film they've ever seen,” offers Kidman a liberating experience. Critics are already raving about *Babygirl*, which won her the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival this past September.

Set to premiere in U.S. theaters on December 25, *Babygirl* boasts a talented cast that includes emerging star Harris Dickinson, seasoned actor Antonio Banderas, and Sophie Wilde. With its daring narrative and Kidman’s compelling performance, this film is sure to challenge societal norms and spark conversations about the portrayal of women in film.