Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman: Who Wins the Battle?
Not only do they clash on the big screen, but Maria and Babygirl also illustrate the starkly different paths Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman have taken in Hollywood over the past two decades.
Starting January 10, audiences will witness a “showdown” between two leading Hollywood actresses in their latest films. On one side, Angelina Jolie portrays the tragic final days of opera legend Maria Callas under the direction of Pablo Larraín. On the other, Nicole Kidman steps into the role of corporate executive Romy Mathis, caught in a shadowy affair with an intern.
“Maria” – The Final Chapter in a Trilogy About Wealthy Yet Tormented Women
Maria concludes Pablo Larraín’s trilogy about women of privilege who endure deep sorrow, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). This time, the story unfolds in Paris during the fall of the 1970s, taking viewers through elegant apartments, cozy bars, and the romantic Luxembourg Gardens—each imbued with a melancholic aura, as though the heavy scent of perfume lingers in every corner.
According to Xan Brooks of The Independent, the role of Maria Callas is not just about recreating the Greek opera diva’s storied life, but also reflects something of Angelina Jolie herself. One icon meets another, blurring the line between actress and character. Larraín, who understands Jolie well, “treats her like a treasure,” guiding her through each delicate scene. A highlight is the moment when Callas, having just taken heart medication, orders her servant: “Book me a table at a restaurant where everyone has to know who I am,” adding, “Today, I want to be adored.”
“Babygirl” – A Distinct Experience for Nicole Kidman
While Maria showcases Callas’s life of devotion, Babygirl is a wholly different journey for Nicole Kidman. The film demands all of Kidman’s energy—audiences may feel uneasy due to the abundance of explicit scenes. Written and directed by Halina Reijn, Babygirl is reminiscent of 1980s “erotic horror,” but it’s reimagined with a sharp and modern perspective, delivering a fresh, engaging feel.
At 57, Kidman plays Romy Mathis, a powerhouse executive at a robotics company in New York—an age close to her real one. Romy’s relationship with a young intern leads to a series of awkward entanglements. One particularly memorable scene sees Romy “ambushing” him in the men’s restroom, set to the tune of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart.” While somewhat offbeat, that is precisely the vibe the film aims to convey.
Kidman admits feeling “exposed, vulnerable, and afraid” ahead of the film’s premiere—a sentiment that gives Romy a duality of both strength and fragility, captivating the audience on screen.
Two Films, Two Distinct Directions
According to Xan Brooks, each project targets a different message and audience. Leaving box office figures aside, the storytelling in both Maria and Babygirl was enthusiastically received by critics at the Venice Film Festival.
“Both films showcase the fashion sense and self-assurance of their leading ladies, and most importantly, they offer a visually and aurally satisfying experience,” praised one film expert.
