In recent years, Hollywood has witnessed a notable 40% drop in erotic scenes compared to films from the early 2000s. Once a staple of silver screen storytelling, sensuality now takes a backseat, leaving many wondering if cinematic passion is a thing of the past.
Yet, two 2024 films are boldly challenging this trend: Nicole Kidman’s “Babygirl” and Sean Baker’s latest project, “Anora.”
The Return of Sensual Cinema : Babygirl and Anora
Both Babygirl and Anora are earning awards-season buzz while reviving bold, unapologetic depictions of sexuality.
“Anora” follows the gritty yet enchanting journey of Ani (played by Mikey Madison), a sex worker whose life takes a Cinderella-like turn when she marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, is also reinvigorating the erotic thriller genre with steamy moments and intimate storytelling.
However, the two films differ starkly in their approach to filming intimate scenes, sparking debate about the role of intimacy coordinators on modern sets.
What Is an Intimacy Coordinator?
An intimacy coordinator (IC) is a professional tasked with choreographing and safeguarding intimate scenes on film sets. Their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring consent and comfort for all actors.
- Mediating between actors, directors, and crew.
- Blocking and choreographing intimate scenes to balance creativity and safety.
- Advocating for performers’ boundaries and post-scene well-being.
This role emerged in response to revelations from the #MeToo movement, which highlighted systemic abuse in the entertainment industry.
Why Intimacy Coordinators Matter
The need for ICs became undeniable after stories like Maria Schneider’s surfaced. Schneider, the 19-year-old star of Last Tango in Paris, was blindsided and humiliated when director Bernardo Bertolucci filmed a graphic scene without her consent.
Her ordeal—and the exploitation it exemplified—led to widespread industry calls for systemic changes to protect actors.
Differing Opinions: Intimacy Coordinators on Set
Despite their importance, not everyone agrees on the necessity of ICs.
Actors like Jennifer Aniston and Toni Collette have expressed discomfort with their presence, feeling it heightened awkwardness. Similarly, Sean Bean has argued that ICs can “spoil spontaneity” in intimate scenes. But advocates, such as Babygirl’s Halina Reijn, insist ICs unlock greater creativity, safety, and realism in storytelling.
Why Anora Skipped an Intimacy Coordinator
Sean Baker, the director of Anora, opted not to use an IC on set, explaining that both Mikey Madison and co-star Mark Eydelshteyn were comfortable without one.
“We approached the scenes clinically,” Baker shared, adding that they were carefully blocked and calculated. Madison echoed his sentiments, saying, “It felt right for us to keep the set small and intimate. We worked together as a team.”
Babygirl’s Embrace of Intimacy Coordinators
Halina Reijn, on the other hand, credits her film’s IC, Lizzy Talbot, with enabling riskier and more authentic scenes.
“You can create scenes that are far more daring,” Reijn stated, emphasizing how ICs reduce misunderstandings and protect everyone involved.
Phoebe Dynevor, who worked with Talbot on Bridgerton, praised ICs for fostering comfort and collaboration, saying, “We knew exactly what we were doing—there was no fear or hesitation.”
The Debate Continues
While films like Anora and Babygirl are bringing intimacy back to the big screen, their contrasting approaches to ICs highlight a broader debate.
Are ICs essential for ensuring actor safety, or do they stifle artistic spontaneity? As Hollywood continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the conversation about intimacy in cinema is far from over.
