“Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links.” Nicole Kidman made her sixth return to the screen in 2024 in the film “Babygirl,” an A24 erotic thriller helmed by director and writer Halina Reijn, known for her work on “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” The movie delves into themes of identity, desire, and the burdens of perfection, hitting theaters on December 25, just in time for the holiday season.
“Babygirl” premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier in 2024 to critical acclaim. Kidman’s portrayal in the film garnered her the Best Actress award at the festival, while Reijn received a nomination for the prestigious Golden Lion award. Kidman’s role as Romy also saw her earn her 17th Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.
In the film, Romy is depicted as a successful CEO seemingly leading a picture-perfect life with a flourishing career, a devoted husband played by Antonio Banderas, and two teenage daughters portrayed by Esther McGregor and Vaughan Reilly. However, beneath the facade of perfection lies a complex reality, as Romy’s fantasies lead her into a risky entanglement with her younger intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson.
Director Reijn revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that “Babygirl” was originally conceived as a summer flick set in the Hamptons but underwent a significant transformation into a Christmas film due to unforeseen circumstances. She stated, “I wrote it as a summer movie; it was all going to take place in the Hamptons and it was going to be on the beach. Then the strike happened, of course it was pencils down and we had to wait, and then the schedule became Christmas. And I was like, ‘We should definitely make this into a Christmas movie,’ and after the strike, I just rewrote the whole thing to Christmas.” Kidman described her role as “a calling,” emphasizing the depth of her character’s struggles with power and self-identity.
While an official streaming date for “Babygirl” on A24’s platform has yet to be announced, sources suggest the film is expected to stream on Max in 2025 as part of A24’s streaming partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. Previous A24 productions like “The Iron Claw” and “Uncut Gems” have found their way onto the platform. For viewers eager to watch the film sooner, pre-orders are available for on-demand viewing on Prime Video and Apple TV. In the meantime, the film can be enjoyed in theaters.
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