Nicole Kidman presents the erotic drama ‘Babygirl’ at the Venice Film Festival.

VENICE, Italy (AP) — Nicole Kidman is back at the Venice Film Festival for the world premiere of her new movie “Babygirl,” which will be shown on Friday.

This film is an erotic drama that tells the story of a powerful CEO who risks everything—her career and family—when she begins an affair with a younger intern.

“Babygirl” was directed by Halina Reijn, known for her work on “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” Reijn drew inspiration from her admiration for classic erotic thrillers made by directors like Paul Verhoeven and Adrian Lyne. In the film, Antonio Banderas plays Kidman’s character’s husband, while Harris Dickinson portrays the intern.

In her director’s statement, Reijn explained, “The affair at the center of ‘Babygirl’ lets Romy and Samuel explore their feelings about power, gender, age, hierarchy, and basic instincts. Even though what they’re doing is forbidden, the excitement of this exploration is both liberating and healing.”

“Babygirl” is competing at the Venice Film Festival, alongside other films such as “Maria” and the upcoming “The Room Next Door,” “Queer,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The winners of the festival will be announced on September 7.

Kidman first attended the Venice Film Festival 25 years ago with another bold film: Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” Despite her extensive career filled with daring and provocative roles, she admits to feeling a bit nervous about this newest project.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, she shared, “I’ve done films that are quite revealing, but none like this.”

A24 plans to release “Babygirl” in theaters on December 25.

___

For more information about the 2024 Venice Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival.