‘It’s About Monogamy’: Babygirl Director Says Film Could Be An Extention Of Nicole Kidman’s Character In Eyes Wide Shut

As someone who has been captivated by the enigmatic allure of Nicole Kidman’s acting since I first watched Moulin Rouge, the revelation that Babygirl is a continuation of her character from Eyes Wide Shut has sent shivers down my spine. The intrigue, the mystery, the erotic undertones – it’s like Stanley Kubrick himself has reawakened from his slumber to weave another tale of marital intrigue.

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sex and nudity

It’s already shocking to learn that Nicole Kidman is playing the lead in the erotic thriller Babygirl, but what makes it even more intriguing is the fact that the role might be a continuation of one she played before – specifically, Alice Harford from the 1999 thriller mystery film Eyes Wide Shut.

As a devotee recalling an intriguing cinematic experience, I found myself delving into Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, where Nicole Kidman portrayed Alice. Alice confided in her husband, played by Tom Cruise as William, about an erotic fantasy she had concerning a man they encountered during their getaway. The ensuing events plunged William into a whirlwind of intrigue involving secretive cults and heinous acts of violence.

Yet, Alice chose not to realize her daydream, sparking Reijn’s intrigue and leading her to create Babygirl. The director noted that while the two movies shared a common theme revolving around monogamy when comparing them.

She explained to Entertainment Weekly that the topic at hand is marriage and the concept of being faithful to one partner, known as monogamy. She then posed a question: Is it possible to own someone else or do you have to let them go free?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XXoNB0lVGo

The director expressed, with a touch of humility, that their work is deeply rooted in his thoughts, feelings, and essence. He wondered aloud about the scenario had she chosen to follow her dreams and live her fantasy life. To address these intriguing musings, he introduced his latest movie as the solution.

Reijn admitted that she used Alice’s fantasy man to create Harris Dickinson’s character Samuel, the intern with whom Kidman’s Romy has an affair. “It’s my playful revenge on all the movies that are made by men where all these women are either a femme fatale or a Lolita,” she said. 

Reijn intentionally designed the character Samuel to resemble a dreamlike individual, complete with an enchanting storyline reminiscent of fairytales. At certain points, this portrayal might cause viewers to question whether Samuel truly exists or if Romy is merely fantasizing about him. The film, according to Reijn, serves as a “metaphor for one large, imaginative sexual fantasy.

The director openly acknowledged her intention to push boundaries by creating a film with explicit sexual content and some nudity. She further explained, “I aim to challenge societal norms, stir up controversy, and initiate a dialogue on the topics of sexuality and personal liberty.

Babygirl will be released in theaters on December 25. 

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2024-12-24 00:37