Director of Babygirl Defends Age-Gap Romance Between Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson: “It Should Be Normalized”

The upcoming erotic thriller Babygirl has been sparking discussions across social media for its portrayal of a romance between characters played by Nicole Kidman, 57, and Harris Dickinson, 28.

Kidman stars alongside Dickinson in Babygirl. Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty

While some fans are praising the bold storyline, others are grappling with the age gap at the center of the narrative.

What Is Babygirl About?

In Babygirl, Kidman plays a high-powered CEO who jeopardizes her career and family when she embarks on a passionate affair with a young intern, portrayed by Dickinson. The movie dives into themes of desire, power, and self-discovery.

With steamy scenes and a complex plot, the film has garnered praise for its raw portrayal of relationships. Yet, the noticeable age gap between the lead characters has sparked a debate online.

One X user voiced concerns, writing:

“This is a problematic age gap. I don’t understand how people can support this movie.”

Another added:

“What is this Babygirl movie? Not what we need in this environment.”

Halina Reijn’s Perspective

Halina Reijn, the film’s director and writer, has stepped in to address the criticism. In a recent interview with W Magazine, Reijn defended the on-screen romance, stating:

“It should completely be normalized. 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 highlighted how narratives often cater to the “male gaze” and perpetuate patriarchal norms, adding:

“We internalize the male gaze and patriarchy, and we need to free ourselves from it. Women should be free to explore different types of relationships.”

Reijn also shared her creative intentions for the movie, particularly the intimacy scenes, saying:

“I wanted them to feel incredibly hot and steamy, but also real. Sexuality is often awkward and imperfect. That’s the kind of authenticity I wanted to portray.”

Babygirl is an erotic thriller. Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty

Nicole Kidman on Exploring a Woman’s Sexuality

Kidman herself has weighed in on the importance of portraying an older woman’s sexuality on-screen. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she described the role as groundbreaking:

“A lot of times, women are discarded at a certain period of their career as sexual beings. So it was really beautiful to be seen in this way.”

She added:

“My character has all this power but doesn’t know what she truly wants or desires. That’s really relatable.”

Kidman’s performance has been praised for shedding light on an underexplored narrative: older women embracing their desires and agency.

Nicole Kidman, director Halina Reijn and Harris Dickinson at A24's Babygirl Los Angeles Special Screening. Credit: Eric Charbonneau/A24/Getty

Social Media Reactions

Despite the director and Kidman’s insights, reactions on social media remain polarized. While some have applauded the film’s progressive storytelling, others are critical of the depiction of a relationship with a significant age gap.

Critics argue that the film might perpetuate harmful narratives, while supporters contend that the portrayal challenges societal double standards.

One supporter tweeted:

“We’ve seen countless movies about older men with younger women. This flips the script. Let’s normalize it.”

Challenging Double Standards in Film

The criticism of Babygirl highlights a broader cultural conversation. Male-led films featuring significant age gaps—such as Call Me by Your Name or American Beauty—often face less scrutiny. Reijn and Kidman’s collaboration challenges this imbalance by centering an older woman’s perspective.

Reijn addressed these double standards, saying:

“Why do we question relationships like this when they involve an older woman? Stories should reflect the diversity of relationships in real life.”

The Evolution of On-Screen Relationships

Hollywood is slowly evolving to include more diverse narratives. Films like Babygirl push boundaries and invite audiences to question long-held assumptions about gender, power, and relationships.

Reijn believes this evolution is essential, particularly for female-led stories:

“We’re not trapped in a box anymore. Women’s stories should be as multifaceted and complex as men’s.”

Many fans had a lot to say about the age gap between the two actors. Credit: Eric Charbonneau/A24/Getty

A Film That Sparks Conversations

Whether you view Babygirl as controversial or thought-provoking, its impact is undeniable. By challenging conventions, the film has ignited a conversation about age, power, and the freedom to tell unconventional stories.

Babygirl is now playing in select theaters, giving audiences the chance to form their own opinions on this bold cinematic experience.

Featured Image Credit: JC Olivera/WireImage/Getty