Nicole Kidman Has Mastered the Art of the Icy Rich Mom. So Why Does She Keep Repeating Herself?

As a lover of philosophy and human psychology myself, I deeply admire Nicole Kidman‘s journey and her fascination with Stoicism. Her career choices reflect a profound understanding of the human condition, and it’s fascinating to see her portray such complex characters. However, I must admit that sometimes, I find her recent roles interchangeable, much like stirring the same pot of tea over and over again.

After the abundance of polished domestic mysteries on TV following “Big Little Lies”, it’s hard to think of anything new to discuss about them. They typically feature affluent families, strong female leads, novels that have sold millions of copies as their basis, and scenic settings captured with a high-end aesthetic. Notable creators or directors are often involved, and the cast is made up of well-known actors, some of whom also serve as executive producers. They portray characters who live in understated opulence, delivering dramatic scenes that tug at the heartstrings. There’s usually a murder, sexual assault, or missing person, with each character harboring multiple secrets, making almost everyone a potential suspect

“The Perfect Couple” currently streaming on Netflix, remarkably follows through with its formula and unabashedly embraces shallow elements, making the most enjoyable twist out of a narrative steeped in soap operas and cliches. Directed by Susanne Bier (known for HBO’s series “Lies” and “The Undoing,” as well as Netflix movie “Bird Box”), this adaptation is based on the novel by renowned beach-read author Elin Hilderbrand. Eve Hewson, an exceptional actress whose recent work includes Netflix’s “Behind Her Eyes,” stars as Amelia Sacks, a modest zoologist on the brink of marrying into the esteemed Winbury family when a wedding guest is found dead at their Nantucket estate on the morning of the ceremony. The ensemble cast boasts Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, Meghann Fahy from “The White Lotus,” and French film icon Isabelle Adjani. Nicole Kidman, who has become synonymous with a specific type of role in this genre, is its most anticipated yet enigmatic figure. Her recurring presence in these projects presents an even more intriguing puzzle than any murder mystery in which she appears

If “The Perfect Couple” is the epitome of its genre, then Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Greer Garrison Winbury, Amelia’s future mother-in-law, perfectly embodies 21st-century Kidman. Greer, a stunning matriarch from a wealthy family (as seen in “Lies,” “The Undoing,” and “Expats”), is similar to her character in the recent Netflix film “A Family Affair.” She is a successful author, much like her characters in “Nine Perfect Strangers” and “Expats.” Her complex past, which she shares with these characters, serves as both a source of empathy and intrigue. This Kidman character exudes an icy perfection that masks internal struggles. The signs of her unraveling are subtly hinted at when a rosy hue appears on her pristine features, around her tear-streaked eyes and inflamed nostrils

Not all of these titles are thrillers. While Expats downplays its mystery elements in favor of grounded drama, A Family Affair is a romantic comedy that pairs marquee stars with a made-for-TV script. Nor are these the sole projects in which Kidman has recently participated; since the second season of Lies aired in 2019, she’s also played Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos, appeared in her second Aquaman movie, and re-teamed with her Lies husband Alexander Skarsgård for Robert Eggers’ Viking epic The Northman (this time she was his mother), among other roles. What’s curious is that such a sought-after actor would make time for so much similar small-screen work, to the extent that every few months, she seems to be back on our televisions playing yet another rich mother on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  

To sum up, this actress is renowned for winning an Oscar for her role as a complex Virginia Woolf in “The Hours,” and for receiving nominations for diverse films such as Baz Luhrmann’s extravagant musical “Moulin Rouge!” and the emotional adoption drama “Lion.” In the global art scene, she became the English-speaking counterpart to Isabelle Adjani or Huppert, portraying women pushed to their psychological breaking points. Her marriage with Tom Cruise was scrutinized in Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” She served as a unique American scapegoat in Lars von Trier’s harrowing “Dogville.” She tested the limits of good taste in Jonathan Glazer’s “Birth,” where her character meets a 10-year-old boy who claims to be her reincarnated husband. Her television work is consistently strong, but as she continues to be typecast, her troubled mother roles seem like imitations of the exceptional performances she gave in the past

In interviews, Kidman frequently mentions two key factors when selecting projects: she is drawn to roles that demand a deep dive into psychologically complex characters from an artistic standpoint. As she puts it, she enjoys venturing into unfamiliar territory. Her fascination with Grace Fraser, the protagonist of The Undoing, a therapist in denial about her husband’s (Hugh Grant) true self in Manhattan, is a testament to this. Kidman expresses interest in philosophy and the human psyche, as well as stoicism. While her choices reflect thoughtfulness and ambition, they sometimes lack diversity due to the frequent similarities among her characters’ personalities, issues, and lifestyles

Additionally, she grabs chances to partner with and nurture the careers of women. Remarkably, she has surpassed her commitment made in 2017 to work with a female director every 18 months. This dedication might be why her work is so frequent: “I could relax,” she said in 2021, acknowledging her fatigue. “Or I could fulfill what I pledged to do.” She doesn’t just talk about it; she acts. In 2010, she established a production company, Blossom Films, and has served as an executive producer for all her recent TV series. For instance, in the case of The Perfect Couple, she shares this credit with Bier, Hilderbrand, and Jenna Lamia (Good Girls). Kidman’s celebrity stature significantly aids in getting the shows and films she supports produced. Recently, she expressed that while many actors decline to work with first-time directors, “I enjoy being able to clear a path for filmmakers, writers, actors, and people who haven’t had the opportunities I have. I like to bet on people who haven’t yet shown their full potential; to stand by their side and walk through the fire with them.”

In an industry where numerous peers may claim to advocate for diversity but continue working primarily with established white males, she has consistently been a bold and dedicated champion of fresh talent. Occasionally, her commitment leads to projects as daring as the films that made her famous. Recently, at the Venice Film Festival, Kidman ignited controversy with the sexually explicit “Babygirl,” directed by Danish filmmaker Halina Reijn, in which she portrayed a tech executive torn between her loyal husband (Antonio Banderas) and a young intern (Harris Dickinson), who encourages her to explore her BDSM desires. At other times, her knack for presenting new voices in an appealing manner to studios or streamers might take priority over certain artistic aspects. “Expats,” a collaboration with “The Farewell” auteur Lulu Wang on her first TV series, was her strongest performance since the initial season of “Lies”—however, her character’s lack of direction was among the least captivating aspects. It would not be unexpected if domestic thrillers based on established intellectual properties were the type of project Hollywood, in its persistent sexism, would most likely offer fair compensation to a 57-year-old leading actress and an emerging female creator

To fully appreciate the undeniable charm of “The Perfect Couple,” you’d have to be more elitist than I am. Not every TV show needs to be a work of art to be entertaining, and being a talented actor doesn’t always mean dedicating your entire career to cinematic excellence (though hats off to Daniel Day-Lewis for his dedication). Sometimes, the entertainment industry thrives on variety rather than perfection. It can be disheartening, however, to see an actress as gifted as Nicole Kidman, who has shown her range in films like “Dogville,” “Birth,” and that memorable AMC Theatres commercial, opt for repetition more often than exploring new roles

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2024-09-05 20:34