Nicole Kidman known for roles across numerous genres in her career achieved success with the recent release of the erotic thriller Babygirl after having many critically acclaimed and not well received movies. Kidman gained notoriety in 1989 with her appearance in Dead Calm then becoming even more famous through films in the 1990s. Her ability to work well in an erotic thriller previously showcased in Eyes Wide Shut led to perfect casting choice in Babygirl according to positive reviews of film. Kidman’s talents show clear in various roles with great critical review and fan response in her career.
'Babygirl's' Success Overcomes Recent Box Office and Critical Struggles Of Nicole Kidman’s Movies
While some of Nicole Kidman's movies have seen massive success several projects of hers have unfortunately not had positive outcomes among both critics and audience viewers alike. Babygirl helped Kidman stop her recent string of "rotten" movies as categorized on Rotten Tomatoes with negative approval ratings throughout 2023 and 2024. Babygirl directed by Halina Reijn allows Kidman's raw talent to show clearly with the movie's positive reception. These results stand in sharp contrast to a set of poorly received releases before its Christmas release date this year.
Babygirl directed by Halina Reijn with Harris Dickinson tells the story of a business executive starting a scandalous affair with a younger employee also features Antonio Banderas as the executive's husband. Babygirl explores the impact of such actions along with power dynamics within such complex relationships with Kidman's character. While the film has not had major approval with general audiences critics showed a very solid 77% positive approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Nicole Kidman has showcased immense talent across her long term professional career while Babygirl helps spotlight that talent.
Recent Movies Including 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom', 'A Family Affair' and 'Spellbound' Fails to Impress Critics
Nicole Kidman’s prior release in 2023 Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom received low critical approval with only 33% even though many audience members still scored the movie very high with an 80% approval rating on the site. A Family Affair released in 2024 received 36% approval with an even worse 30% audience score and the animated Spellbound scored 45% with only 51% audience approval further adding to this poor trend on Rotten Tomatoes. The statistics at Rotten Tomatoes revealed multiple consecutive poor releases which is unusual for long-term acting talent such as Nicole Kidman’s previous positive showings.
Kidman also has previously had a series of releases during the early 2010s where several of her films struggled on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2011 movies Just Go With It and Trespass and as a producer of Monte Carlo each had scores under 50 percent. These followed into 2012 with The Paperboy and Hemingway & Gellhorn struggling with low ratings as well but this low point for critical reception ended with 2013's Stoker reaching an impressive 70% approval rating. These early poor review sets were followed by another run of unfavorable movie critic reviews for Margot at the Wedding The Golden Compass Lagerfeld Confidential Australia and Nine with each being scored as "rotten" from 2007 to 2009. The positive reactions for the 2010 title Rabbit Hole broke that series of negative receptions showcasing her producer and acting skills that garnered praise from both critics and general audiences alike. Nicole Kidman's past projects prove her resilience and skill through all aspects of film production that made her a long time favorite of critics and fans across the globe.
Babygirl’s Superior Rotten Tomatoes Scores Are Attributed To Plot Performance and Themes
Babygirl's success at Rotten Tomatoes stems from amazing performances delivered by Kidman Antonio Banderas and Harris Dickinson in addition to Halina Reijn's precise script. Babygirl plot centers on a unique executive exploring the complicated aspects of power during a torrid affair which stands out in contrast to a formulaic superhero sequel or an animated children’s film showcasing specific differences with prior roles and performances. The themes used within Babygirl also added another element of critic appreciation of her artistic choice as well showing the overall acting experience Kidman presents in each one of her projects over the years. Nicole Kidman's roles that are similar to Babygirl in specific genres may become key reminders of where her true acting prowess shines.
A24's 'Babygirl' Arrives In Theaters Before Digital Release in Late January On Premium Video on Demand
Babygirl which features Nicole Kidman along with Harris Dickinson debuted in theaters Christmas Day with the movie directed and written by Halina Reijn and featuring Antonio Banderas with a complex character dynamic. A24 provides films to theaters which also appear digitally usually a month later when it hits premium video on demand. Babygirl is currently in 2115 theaters nationwide until release on digital. A24 releases have followed previous patterns with release timelines for PVOD in roughly a month like horror Heretic in theaters November 8 to digital December 10th along with drama We Live in Time released October 25 in theatres to November 29 for digital purchase. Y2K a horror project by A24 has also showed up earlier within sixteen days.
'Babygirl' PVOD Release Dates are Expected Sometime In late January
Digital purchase for Babygirl expected to be from $19.99 to $29.99 with a 48 hour rental costing $14.99 to $24.99 on major streaming services including AppleTV Prime Video and VUDU with some services starting their digital releases on Tuesday and Friday. Based on A24 release schedule, a digital debut of Babygirl can be expected January 24 to January 28 for purchase and rental before its release for regular streaming services. Premium video on demand releases have generally appeared about one month after release from the various production companies in order to garner theater sales along with digital views as well providing balanced sales opportunities.
A24 Has Established Agreement for 'Babygirl' on Warner Bros. Max streaming service
A24 has established a deal with Warner Brothers platform which provides home streaming options to movies including Max service providing subscriptions which can range from $9.99 to $20.99 dependent on subscriber options and perks. A24 usually puts out its content on the Max platform approximately three months following theatrical release dates. Max released MaXXXine a horror movie by A24 released in July for streaming 98 days after theater date in October along with Janet Planet another project released in June which became available streaming in November showing a more longer timeline. Based on past history Max subscribers will see Babygirl appear March 25 if a shorter pattern is followed like MaXXXine and possibly around April 25 if it follows a pattern like Janet Planet for home streaming.
Halina Reijn Directed Babygirl With Nicole Kidman To Showcases Themes of Sexuality Control and Authenticity
Babygirl highlights the sexually complex affair between Kidman's character Romy CEO and Harris Dickinson playing Samuel her 25-year-old intern during interactions in offices and seedy hotel settings. Kidman’s character as Romy has hidden desires and an unusually closed off world which causes conflict for her in Babygirl while showing off intense acting chops. Halina Reijn in a conversation with IndieWire said the main theme to movie involved trying to reconcile what society dictates what a woman should do in the contrast to their desire to be authentic versions of themselves showing all complexities of that struggle through a metaphor of sexuality.
European Influences of Filmmaker Halina Reijn Added a Layered approach to Intimacy on Babygirl Movie Set
Halina Reijn a director from the Netherlands who starred in films like Black Book and Valkyrie before transitioning to directing like for Instinct and Bodies Bodies Bodies has brought a European perspective where intimacy coordinators are less prominent which has changed on many United States projects she has helmed. Reijn collaborated with Lizzy Talbot an intimacy coordinator also know for It Ends with Us and Bridgerton to achieve a thoughtful approach to scenes with strong sexual context between actors kidman and Dickinson and the character building needed for effective performance. Reijn mentions prior problems with directorial oversight on acting scenes as the cause for her appreciation for intimacy coordinators along with clear communication in such sensitive topics during production of any film project.
The Director Utilized Personal Experiences And Innovative Methods To Portray Complex Movie Themes
Reijn does tend to act out specific scenes including those with heavy intimacy showing actors to put them at ease through clear communication which counters what Luca Guadagnino may do on a set by staying in the room. Director Reijn uses creative techniques for both planning and filming of the project making sure actors feel comfortable in sensitive situations allowing creative freedom and comfort in performance. In Babygirl a milk ordering scene inspired by director Reijn’s real life experience that is portrayed by a specific character during movie showing strong creative choices implemented with artistic integrity. She mentioned it’s very impactful and empowering during interactions to have control of self-expression particularly when portraying deep sexual complexities . A cryotherapy sequence is seen during scenes highlighting Kidman’s own status as a celebrity exploring all her specific routines showing clear creativity used throughout production to create meaning and purpose . Reijn says a part of writing also means expressing what personal struggles she has herself with personal insecurities which allows viewers to see behind the movie and connect through complex issues and stories she showcases for various performances.
Halina Reijn who grew up with unorthodox parents who named her through a guru utilized that as context for a very unique way to portray themes of past trauma where Romy undergoes EMDR eye movement desensitization therapy to manage her unique upbringing. The EMDR sequence which the director Halina Reijn personally tried adds to a visually engaging method which she wanted to convey while trying to address complex psychological concepts during performance. The ultimate message by Reijn and team is for each person to address the complexities within oneself to promote growth through self acceptance rather than chasing a persona for others. Babygirl which is rated R continues to be screened across theaters.