Baby Girl: Nicole Kidman, Controversy, and the Power of Performance

**Host:** Alex First
**Guest Critics:** Greg King, Peter Krause, Sandy Kay and Jaqui Hammerton
**Episode Summary:**
In this riveting episode of First on Film & Entertainment, host Alex First reunites with critics Greg King, Peter Krause, Sandy Kay, and Jaqui Hammerton to dissect a range of films, including the controversial *Baby Girl*. The panel dives into Nicole Kidman's daring portrayal in a film that explores themes of power, sexuality, and personal struggle, sparking a heated debate over its explicitness and underlying messages. Sandy praises Kidman's fearless performance, while Jacqui challenges the panel's views on the film's content, leading to a lively discussion about societal perceptions of female sexuality. As the conversation unfolds, the critics also reflect on the psychological thriller *Companion*, which takes unexpected twists and turns, blending romance with horror in a unique narrative about artificial intelligence and human relationships. The group shares their varied opinions on the film's execution and character development, with Jacqui expressing her unexpected enjoyment of the film's chaotic charm. Finally, the episode concludes with a compelling review of *September 5th*, a gripping dramatization of the tragic events at the Munich Olympics, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists during a crisis. The critics commend the film's authenticity and emotional weight, agreeing on its potential Oscar nominations. Tune in for an engaging exploration of contemporary cinema, filled with passionate critiques and insightful commentary.
**Highlights:**
- **Baby Girl:** A provocative exploration of female sexuality and power dynamics, featuring a bold performance by Nicole Kidman that ignites debate among the critics.
- **Companion:** A thrilling ride that subverts expectations, blending romance and horror as it delves into the implications of AI in human relationships.
- **September 5th:** A powerful docudrama capturing the tragic events of the Munich Olympics, praised for its authenticity and moral complexity, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
00:03:17 - How sexually explicit do you think Nicole Kidman's Baby Girl is
00:05:47 - Jackie has the perfect life. She's CEO, her own company going places
00:06:42 - Nicole Kidman plays Romy Mathis in the upcoming film
00:08:09 - Baby Girl is in the same sexually charged milieu as Fatal Attraction
00:10:41 - Sandy says she enjoyed the whole cougar theme in this film
00:12:13 - Jack: I would have liked to have known why Romi didn't seek counselling
00:15:14 - Did you think Nicole Kidman was sexy in Rabbit Hole
00:17:33 - Greg, tell me about what the film are, please. Peter: I thought it was a handsome looking production
00:20:11 - Baby Girl explores issues about women's gender identity and their role in life
00:21:36 - Apart from perhaps the ending, Harris Dickinson's character is underdeveloped
00:22:41 - Peter gave Baby Girl a six out of ten. Jackie gave it a seven
00:25:37 - Jair Ma: Companion is a psychological thriller rated 97 minutes
00:26:39 - I remember my first meeting with my wife. It was incredibly memorable
00:26:56 - Ryan Reynolds says he may make a movie about his wife
00:27:48 - My mobile phone is ringing while we're doing live radio
00:28:37 - Sophie Thatcher plays Iris in M. McGrime
00:30:02 - Iris is nervous about saying and doing wrong things around Josh's friends
00:31:05 - Director Drew Hancock has a vivid imagination with this film
00:32:25 - While the dangers of AI and robots taking over are certainly apparent in Companion
00:34:06 - Peter felt Companion sacrificed AI component for revenge crime body count component
00:37:48 - Alex says there should be an award for best scene of the year
00:40:11 - Greg: Yeah, because it reminds him of his wife
00:40:32 - S