Nicole Kidman continues to push boundaries with her latest role, sparking intense discussions online due to her performance in the upcoming erotic thriller, “Babygirl.” This time, it’s not just her acting that’s catching attention but also the provocative scenes she shares with Harris Dickinson, who is 29 years younger than her.

The movie revolves around Romy, a high-powered CEO played by Kidman, who risks her career and family by engaging in a passionate affair with her much younger intern, Samuel, portrayed by Dickinson. A sneak peek of an intimate scene between the two actors has already stirred significant debate online.

Fans have taken to social media to express their reactions, with some humorously protective of Dickinson and others noting a trend in Kidman’s recent film roles involving younger men. Some even suggest that this pairing of older women with younger men may be Hollywood’s latest trend. One commenter speculated that these roles might appeal to both older female audiences and young men with “cougar” fantasies.

Despite the varied reactions, some fans remain devoted to Kidman, praising her acting while expressing mild discomfort with her frequent on-screen pairings with younger co-stars. The reminders of her previous daring role alongside Zac Efron in “A Family Affair” were inevitable, with some fans pleading for less awkwardness in her new film.

In a recent interview, Kidman, now 57, reflected on her role in “Babygirl,” describing it as one of the most exposing projects she has undertaken. Although she has not yet seen the film, she expressed uncertainty about watching it at its Venice International Film Festival premiere. Kidman admitted that she might find the experience too overwhelming, despite the film being crafted for a grand audience.

Addressing the film’s intimate scenes, Kidman emphasized the importance of safety and professionalism. The scenes were filmed in long takes by director Halina Reijn, with the assistance of intimacy coordinators to ensure that every moment was authentically portrayed.

Although deeply involved in the work, Kidman found the process emotionally draining. She revealed feeling very exposed, both as an actress and a person, and struggled with the idea of sharing her vulnerability with the world.

This isn’t the first time Kidman has faced scrutiny for her roles. In “A Family Affair,” her on-screen chemistry with Zac Efron also caused a stir. Their romantic scenes led to a flurry of social media reactions, with fans expressing everything from surprise to discomfort.

The film, released on Netflix in June 2024, followed the story of a young woman, Zara Ford, played by Joey King, who becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle involving her demanding boss, Chris Cole (Efron), and her mother, Brooke Harwood (Kidman). The film’s blend of comedy and drama, particularly in scenes where Zara stumbles upon her mother in compromising situations with Chris, added to its buzz.

Efron praised Kidman for her professionalism and kindness, admitting that he initially felt nervous about their on-screen romance. Despite this, their established rapport from their previous collaboration in “The Paperboy” contributed to their convincing performances.

Efron’s comments and the behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set revealed a deep respect and camaraderie between the two actors. Meanwhile, Kidman’s husband, Keith Urban, has remained supportive of her bold career choices, showing unwavering respect for the decisions she makes as an actress.