Harris Dickinson recently shared his nerves about meeting the famous Nicole Kidman. Although most would find this situation typical, it was particularly interesting given that he was set to star alongside her in the upcoming film “Babygirl.” In this movie, Dickinson plays an intern who begins a romantic affair with Kidman’s character, a high-powered CEO. Their chemistry had already been tested during a Zoom meeting with the film’s writer-director, Halina Reijn, who was confident about their pairing. When they met in person at an event, however, Dickinson’s shyness got the better of him. Thankfully, actress Margaret Qualley stepped in to introduce them, helping ease the tension.
“I was glad for her help to break the ice,” Dickinson said in a recent interview.
Once filming began, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Despite his character being described as “puckishly audacious,” Dickinson found himself delving into the intricate layers of sexual power dynamics alongside Kidman and Reijn. The film, set to release on Christmas Day, has generated considerable buzz as one of the year’s top anticipated films.
He explained, “We established an unspoken agreement not to delve into each other’s personal lives while we worked. We stayed focused on our characters. If I had overthought Kidman’s impressive history, it could have complicated things unnecessarily.”
Dickinson’s performance in “Babygirl” adds to the acclaim he’s been gathering since his career started seven years ago in “Beach Rats.” This role reaffirms what many in the film industry have suspected: he’s among the most promising young actors today.
At 28, Dickinson grew up in Leytonstone, East London, which has a rich cinematic history. His interest in film was sparked early through mainstream blockbusters as well as social realist films, encouraging a fascination with stories that resonate with the working-class experiences.
He initially ventured into filmmaking by creating a comedic web series as a child, deeming them “really bad spoofs.” However, it was through local theater that he really found his passion and community, feeling invigorated and accepted.
His journey into professional acting began by chance when a friend encouraged him to audition. By 20, he landed a role in “Beach Rats” and hasn’t looked back since, participating in a diverse array of projects from commercial films like “The King’s Man” to more introspective works like “Triangle of Sadness.”
In “Babygirl,” Dickinson is tasked with navigating a character lacking clear definition, bringing forth an interesting challenge. He describes this character as confusing in a way that hints at a deeper examination of interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the often overlooked awkwardness and discomfort that comes with them.
Director Halina Reijn aims to portray the more realistic side of relationships, encouraging audiences to engage in candid conversations about complex topics. Dickinson’s adaptability on screen, shifting from a vulnerable state to a more commanding presence, contributes to the narrative’s intensity.
Recently, Dickinson took a step back from acting to direct his first feature film, “Dream Space,” focusing on themes of homelessness and self-discovery in London. This experience has offered him a newfound respect for the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
He reflects, “Acting is fundamentally about being relaxed enough to deliver authentic performances. This space is facilitated by those around you, from directors to colleagues like Nicole.”
While he eventually worked up the courage to discuss Kidman’s previous collaborations with acclaimed directors, he confessed to maintaining some distance in discussions about character development, hinting at the surreal aspects of storytelling within “Babygirl.”
In a world where boundaries blur, Dickinson’s insights and experiences in film continue to unfold, revealing a thoughtful and skilled actor navigating the complexities of his profession.
