Nicole Kidman lit up the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film, the highly anticipated erotic thriller Babygirl, wearing a stunning Balenciaga haute couture gown. The custom-made gown, which showcases Kidman's sophisticated style, was crafted under the creative direction of Demna and draws inspiration from the esteemed fashion house’s spring/summer 1964 collection.
The strapless column gown features an extravagant fishtail hem intricately adorned with floral details made from pink and ivory organza petals. Each petal was painstakingly hand-painted, cut, and sculpted to create a multidimensional look, reflecting the craftsmanship for which Balenciaga is known. A black velvet bow belt emphasizes Kidman's waist, adding elegance reminiscent of Balenciaga's historical pieces.
Completing her ensemble, Kidman opted for the brand's signature Knife pumps made of black calfskin, exuding timeless elegance. The original inspiration for her breathtaking gown is found in long evening coats embellished with floral appliqués, originally conceived by Cristóbal Balenciaga and currently preserved at the Thyssen Museum in Madrid. Demna's contemporary reinterpretation demanded immense dedication: “24 artisans dedicat[ed] 2,850 hours” to actualize this breathtaking garment, crafted initially in India before finalized at Balenciaga’s couture atelier stationed in Paris.
Kidman, who recently garnered the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival for her riveting performance as Romy, shared deep insights with Vanity Fair about her role. “I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being. I’ve made some films, but not like this,” she disclosed, hinting at the film's emotional depth and intensity.
Babygirl officially hit theaters on Christmas Day, portraying the dramatic and tumultuous life of Romy, who is portrayed by Kidman. A powerful CEO, Romy’s life unravels as she embarks on a risky affair with her much younger intern, Samuel, played by Harris Dickinson. The film also features Spanish actor Antonio Banderas as Romy’s husband, Jacob, and Sophie Wilde as her assistant, Esme, completing the film's star-studded ensemble.
Though currently available only in theaters, fans eager to watch Babygirl at home can anticipate its digital release via premium video on demand (PVOD) roughly one month post-theatrical debut. A24, the studio producing this provocative narrative, tends to follow a predictable release pattern. For those hoping to catch the thriller on-demand, you can expect it around January 24 or January 28, aligning with their usual habits of releasing films on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Pricing snapshots for Babygirl on PVOD suggest digital purchases may hover between $19.99 and $29.99, with rental prices set between $14.99 and $24.99 for 48-hour viewing access. After its PVOD run, fans can look forward to accessing the film on subscription services like Max, under A24’s collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Typically, A24 films make their streaming debuts on Max approximately three months following their launch in theaters. With the drama oriented around complex themes of power, passion, and consequences, viewers are urged to experience Babygirl on the big screen before its anticipated digital and streaming transition.
Rated R, Babygirl promises to be not just a film, but rather, an immersive exploration of character and moral dilemmas, offering audiences both tension and intrigue as they navigate the high stakes of romance and ambition.