
Babygirl is earning widespread praise for its gripping storyline, Nicole Kidman’s exceptional performance, and the film’s meticulous attention to detail. According to director Halina Reijn, much of this is thanks to the work of intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot, who played a crucial role in shaping the movie’s most intense scenes.
The A24 film, described as an erotic workplace thriller, delves into the unconventional relationship between a powerful CEO and a young intern—an unusual dynamic rarely seen in real life. Given the nature of the story, particularly its more provocative moments, Reijn emphasized the importance of having an intimacy coordinator on set to ensure the actors’ comfort and safety while maintaining the film’s artistic vision.
Speaking to IndieWire, Reijn shared her strong stance on intimacy coordination in filmmaking. She explained that well-executed, boundary-pushing scenes can actually feel more authentic and intense when handled professionally rather than leaving actors to navigate them alone. “You can get more extreme sex scenes that look way more risky than when you’re thinking, ‘No, let the actresses figure it out themselves,’” she said, making it clear that she opposes outdated approaches to filming intimacy.
The filmmaker also criticized the notion that actors can simply opt out of having an intimacy coordinator. “I’m against people who say, ‘No, my actors didn’t want an intimacy coordinator,’” she stated, arguing that the presence of such a professional benefits everyone on set—including the director.
Reijn further explained that having an intimacy coordinator isn’t just about protecting actors—it also provides a safety net for the entire production. If a misunderstanding arises, she noted, it’s invaluable to have a trained professional there to mediate and ensure everyone is comfortable. Her comments followed a recent interview with Anora actress Mikey Madison, who revealed that she and her co-star Mark Eidelstein chose not to use an intimacy coordinator for their film.
Beyond ensuring safety, Reijn believes that embracing discomfort in a structured way can lead to new creative discoveries. “As a director, you have to approach the work in a creative way. Sometimes, you have to push through a little discomfort to uncover a whole new world of creativity and possibilities,” she said.
Babygirl features Nicole Kidman in the role of Romy, a high-powered CEO entangled in a complicated affair with a young intern, played by Triangle of Sadness star Harris Dickinson. The film’s bold narrative, coupled with Kidman’s riveting performance, is already generating buzz, making it one of the most talked-about upcoming releases.