The Unfiltered Truth About A24's 'Babygirl': 5 Shocking Details From Nicole Kidman's Erotic Thriller

The *Babygirl* movie, A24’s highly-charged erotic thriller, is one of the most talked-about films of the last year, continuing to generate buzz as of December 23, 2025, due to its unflinching exploration of power, sexuality, and the taboo of a major age-gap affair. The film, which premiered to critical acclaim and box office success, stars Nicole Kidman in a career-defining role as a high-powered CEO whose life unravels after starting a clandestine relationship with her much younger intern. It’s a provocative, stylish, and deeply unsettling look at female desire and control that has cemented its place as a modern cinematic touchstone. Directed by Halina Reijn, *Babygirl* intentionally pushes boundaries, challenging societal norms about mature female sexuality and the imbalance of power in the workplace. The film’s success, both critically and commercially, has made it one of A24’s highest-grossing projects to date, proving that audiences are hungry for complex, adult-themed dramas that don't shy away from controversy.

Nicole Kidman: Full Biography and Profile

The lead performance in *Babygirl* is delivered by Academy Award-winner Nicole Kidman, whose portrayal of the CEO Romy earned her the Best Actress prize from the National Board of Review. Her extensive career is marked by versatility, spanning genres from psychological thrillers to musicals and dramas.

• Full Name: Nicole Mary Kidman AC
• Date of Birth: June 20, 1967
• Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
• Citizenship: Dual Australian and American
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Notable Awards: Academy Award (Best Actress for *The Hours*), multiple Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
• Early Career Breakthrough: *Dead Calm* (1989), followed by *Days of Thunder* (1990) and *Billy Bathgate* (1991).
• Husbands: Tom Cruise (1990–2001), Keith Urban (2006–Present).
• Role in *Babygirl*: Romy, a high-powered CEO who initiates an affair with her young intern.

The Incendiary Plot: Romy, Samuel, and the Dynamics of Power

*Babygirl* is classified as an erotic thriller, a genre the film revitalizes with a contemporary, corporate setting. The central conflict revolves around Romy, a highly respected CEO who is also a wife and mother. Her meticulously maintained life begins to crack when she hires Samuel, a charming and much younger intern. The plot quickly escalates into a "torrid affair" that threatens to dismantle Romy's entire professional and personal world. The film masterfully uses the corporate environment—even filming inside A24's own New York office—to highlight the inherent power imbalance between the two characters. However, the narrative is not a simple morality tale. Director Halina Reijn delves into the complex nature of female desire, suggesting that Romy is seeking a sexual dynamic where she can relinquish control, a dark secret hinted at in the film's BDSM undertones.

The Cast That Ignited the Screen: Dickinson, Banderas, and Wilde

The success of *Babygirl* rests on the shoulders of its compelling ensemble cast, who bring a palpable tension to the screen.

Harris Dickinson as Samuel

Harris Dickinson, who plays the intern Samuel, is the other half of the film’s controversial central relationship. His performance is crucial, portraying Samuel not just as a naive young man, but as a complex figure who both benefits from and is entangled by the power dynamics at play. The chemistry between Kidman and Dickinson is the engine of the film's erotic tension.

Antonio Banderas and Sophie Wilde

Veteran actor Antonio Banderas takes on the role of Romy's husband, a character who is initially unaware of the affair but whose presence heightens the stakes of Romy's deception. His role adds a layer of emotional weight to Romy's family life that she is risking. Sophie Wilde, known for her breakout role in *Talk to Me*, also features in the cast, rounding out the ensemble of high-caliber talent.

Controversy, Critical Acclaim, and Streaming Status in 2025

*Babygirl* was a lightning rod for discussion immediately following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024. The film's primary point of controversy centered on the age gap between the two leads and the depiction of mature female sexuality.

Director Halina Reijn's Defense of the Age Gap

Director Halina Reijn was vocal in her defense of the film's themes, stating that she believes it should be "completely normalized that the age gaps switch" in movies, pushing back against the double standards often applied to male-led age-gap narratives. This perspective is central to the film's message, which seeks to break free from societal constraints on female desire. Reijn also emphasized the use of an intimacy coordinator, a professional who ensures the safety and comfort of actors during explicit scenes. This commitment to a safe set, despite the film's sensitive content, was highlighted as a progressive move in the industry.

Critical and Commercial Success

Despite the polarizing themes, critics largely embraced *Babygirl*. The film earned a strong critical consensus, with an overall rating of approximately 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many praised Kidman's raw and vulnerable performance and Reijn's stylish, confident direction. The film's financial performance was also notable for A24, grossing a cumulative global total of $60 million, making it one of the studio's most successful releases. The critical and commercial reception solidified its status as a must-watch film of the year.

Where to Watch *Babygirl* in Late 2025

For those looking to watch this compelling erotic thriller, the film is readily available on major streaming platforms. Following its theatrical run, *Babygirl* was released for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max) on April 25, 2025. It is also available for purchase or rent on various digital platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV. This wide availability ensures that the film's provocative themes and powerful performances continue to be debated and discussed by a global audience. The film remains a current and relevant piece of cinematic art, proving that the erotic thriller genre still has the power to shock and captivate.

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