Nicole Kidman Reveals Her Top Five Most Meaningful Movie Roles
Nicole Kidman opens up about the five films that have shaped her career, sharing personal insights into the roles that explore the depths of human emotion and experience.
With a filmography nearing 100 titles, Nicole Kidman has taken on everything from the fantastical to the deeply human. Her career spans bold blockbusters like Aquaman and cult favorites such as Practical Magic. Most recently, she returned to the psychological territory of Eyes Wide Shut with her 2024 performance in Babygirl, starring alongside Harris Dickinson. In Babygirl, Kidman plays a driven CEO who embarks on a risky relationship with a much younger intern. She described her approach to the role as a “quest to examine humanity,” pushing herself to deliver a performance marked by vulnerability and radical honesty. Whether she’s lost in a haze of grief or navigating the symbolic weight of a simple glass of milk, Kidman’s commitment to her craft is always evident.
This dedication to exploring the human condition has been a constant throughout her career. She’s consistently chosen scripts that dig deep into the complexities of life, focusing on the small details that reveal larger truths. When asked which of her films she holds closest to her heart, Kidman was momentarily taken aback.
“Wow,”
she laughed, before sharing her picks in an interview.
“Probably Moulin Rouge! and The Others and The Hours. And it ’s so weird because I did all of them back to back.”
These three films, released in quick succession, marked a turning point in her career, propelling her into the spotlight and showcasing her range as an actress.
Exploring Grief and Loss
Looking beyond the early 2000s, Kidman pointed to another film that holds special meaning for her: Rabbit Hole.
“Probably Rabbit Hole because that says so much about grief,”
she explained. In the 2010 drama, Kidman portrays Becca Corbett, a mother grappling with the accidental death of her young son. The film delves into the raw, often conflicting ways people cope with loss, and Kidman’s performance is both heartbreaking and deeply authentic. She reflected on her recurring interest in the theme of grief, saying,
“That seems to be something that I’ve circled around; I try to circle around subjects and for some reason, loss and grief, I circle around it in many different forms.”
Unforgettable Collaborations
For her fifth and final pick, Kidman highlighted her experience working with director Jonathan Glazer on Birth.
“I also loved working with Jonathan Glazer in Birth. Whether the film actually works as a whole, I don’t know, but I think there are some really great moments in that film, and I think he’s got greatness in him.”
Birth tells the story of a woman whose husband dies suddenly, only for a young boy to appear years later, claiming to be her late husband reincarnated. The film’s unusual premise gave Kidman the chance to explore complex emotions and relationships, adding another layer to her already impressive body of work.