It's been a quarter-century since Nicole Kidman's last erotic Christmastime film, and the wait is finally over. The highly anticipated Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn and starring Kidman and Harris Dickinson, is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day, promising to ignite a frenzy in group chats everywhere. This sizzling tale of a high-powered CEO and her intern embarking on a torrid, kinky affair is poised to be the must-see movie of the holiday season.

Prepare to Be Captivated by the Allure of Babygirl

Festival Acclaim and Critical Buzz

Babygirl made its debut at the prestigious Venice Film Festival earlier this year, where director Halina Reijn was nominated for the coveted Golden Lion. While Kidman was unable to attend the ceremony due to the unexpected passing of her mother, she was awarded the Best Actress prize, which she dedicated to her late parent. "I'm in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina," Kidman said in a statement delivered by Reijn. The film's successful festival run continued at the Toronto International Film Festival, where reviews were mixed but largely positive, with Vulture's Allison Willmore describing it as "an adventure into self-discovery that's unabashedly indulgent but always surprising."

Nicole Kidman's Candid Revelations

In the lead-up to Babygirl's premiere, Nicole Kidman has been remarkably open about the challenges she faced while filming the movie's steamy sex scenes. The acclaimed actress admitted that the experience left her "ragged," with moments where she simply didn't want to be touched anymore. "At some point I was like, I don't want to be touched. I don't want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it. Halina would hold me and I would hold her, because it was just very confronting to me," Kidman shared with Vanity Fair. She even went so far as to tell The Sun, "There were times when we were shooting where I was like, 'I don't want to orgasm any more.' It was so present all the time for me that it was almost like a burnout."Despite the physical and emotional toll, Kidman remains committed to her craft and pushing the boundaries of her artistry. "I've always been on a quest as an actor, I'm always going, where have I not been? And what can I explore as a human being? And this was an area I'd never been," she told the audience at a recent screening. However, the actress did request that director Reijn ensure a safe and comfortable environment, saying, "When I met with Halina, and we talked through it, I was just like, 'Just give us a safe space,' and then, 'Please don't make me look like a fool.'"

Harris Dickinson's Awestruck Admiration

For Harris Dickinson, who plays the role of Kidman's intern, the opportunity to work alongside the legendary actress was a dream come true. "Subtly, I kept asking her things like, 'What was it like working with Stanley Kubrick?' I was there always like poking at the fact that she is this monolithic figure in cinema," Dickinson recently told Variety. The young actor was in awe of Kidman's professionalism and talent, describing her as "the most comforting, warm performer to work across from." He added, "She sets the tone on set, and she makes it so easy to be vulnerable and to be funny, because she is so daring. She's so brave, and she does stuff, and you're like, 'What the fuck is that?' You can't even think of it."

A Cautionary Tale for Family Viewing

While Babygirl may be hitting theaters on Christmas Day, it's not exactly a family-friendly affair. As my colleague Brooke Marine aptly put it, "I can think of nothing more uncomfortable than experiencing this movie with my family at the holidays." The film's steamy and explicit content is best enjoyed in the privacy of one's own home, away from prying eyes and awkward silences. If you're the type of family that traditionally goes to the movies on Christmas, you might want to consider the Timothée Chalamet Bob Dylan biopic instead – a much safer option for a holiday outing.Babygirl is poised to be the talk of the town this holiday season, captivating audiences with its bold, unapologetic exploration of desire and self-discovery. With Nicole Kidman's powerful performance, Harris Dickinson's magnetic presence, and Halina Reijn's deft directorial touch, this cinematic gem is sure to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. So, gather your friends, stock up on the milk emojis, and get ready to experience the steamy, unforgettable world of Babygirl.