The upcoming film Babygirl has been generating buzz—not just for its provocative storyline, but also for the noticeable age gap between its stars, Nicole Kidman, 57, and Harris Dickinson, 28. In the film, Kidman plays a high-powered CEO who risks everything for a passionate affair with her much younger intern, played by Dickinson.
While the premise itself is bold, the casting choice has sparked debate. Director Halina Reijn, however, is unapologetic about the decision and sees it as an opportunity to challenge societal norms. Speaking with W Magazine, she addressed the criticism head-on.
“If we see a movie where the male actor is the same age as the female actor, we find that odd. Which is insane,” Reijn remarked. She pointed out the double standard in how audiences react to relationships with significant age gaps, depending on whether the older partner is male or female.
Reijn went on to highlight the need to reframe how we view women’s relationships on screen. “It should completely be normalized that the age gaps switch and that women have different relationships,” she stated. “We’re not trapped in a box anymore. We internalize the male gaze, we internalize patriarchy, and we need to free ourselves from it. It’s really hard.”
The film’s plot, exploring themes of power, vulnerability, and desire, lends itself to the casting of actors with such a notable age difference. For Reijn, the casting wasn’t just a statement but an authentic fit for the story’s emotional weight and complexity.
Babygirl offers a fresh perspective on an often-taboo dynamic, and Reijn’s defence of the casting has resonated with many who see it as a step toward more diverse and daring narratives in Hollywood.
Ultimately, Reijn hopes the film will inspire viewers to question their own biases and embrace more progressive storytelling. As she puts it, Babygirl is not just about a relationship—it’s about challenging the limits of how we view women, love, and power in cinema.
With a powerhouse like Kidman and rising talent Dickinson at the helm, Babygirl promises to deliver both captivating performances and a thought-provoking commentary on modern relationships. Whether audiences embrace the age gap or remain sceptical, one thing is clear: Reijn is unafraid to spark a conversation.
