Nicole Kidman’s latest film, Babygirl, is making waves at the box office, recently surpassing the $50 million mark worldwide. This provocative drama from A24 not only showcases Kidman’s star power but also highlights the film's ambitious narrative and the cultural conversations it has sparked.
Directed by Halina Reijn, Babygirl features Kidman alongside Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas. The film follows the tumultuous life of Romy, a powerful CEO whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel following an affair with her much younger intern, Samuel—played by Dickinson. The intimate and sometimes controversial themes of the film have gathered significant attention, leading to its impressive box office performance.
Since its release on December 25, 2024, Babygirl has amassed $50 million globally, with domestic earnings of $27.4 million and international collections reaching $22.6 million, according to studio insights. This financial success positions Babygirl among A24’s elite ranks, including other hits like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Lady Bird.
Internationally, the film has particularly thrived. Notably, Babygirl is A24’s highest-grossing release ever in Ukraine, where it has earned $685,000 across 190 screens, outperforming many mainstream titles. The Netherlands contributed $4.27 million to its coffers, with strong performances also recorded from the U.K., Denmark, and Poland. The film has garnered $2.1 million from Scandinavian markets, taking the top spot at the box office during its opening week.
Despite its box office success, Babygirl faced disappointment among critics and audiences when it received no nominations at the upcoming Oscars, particularly for Kidman, who previously won numerous accolades for her performances. Kidman, known for her choice of diverse and challenging roles, has held notable recognition as both a stellar actress and one who attracts attention with her method acting. Yet, her failure to receive nods for this provocative film has raised questions about the Academy’s recognition of bold narratives centered around female sexuality and complex characters.
The narrative of Babygirl sparked significant cultural conversations. A viral scene, where Kidman's character indulges in unconventional behavior, alongside the resurgence of George Michael's hit song “Father Figure,” has created buzz both online and offline. The film quickly evolved from its initial older female audience to attract nearly half male viewers, according to A24’s findings. The engaging material has prompted discussions about female representation and sexuality, with discussions particularly prominent among women aged 54-64.
Halina Reijn expressed her excitement over the film's success: "I’m absolutely thrilled with the worldwide success of ‘Babygirl.’ Seeing how it has resided with so many people fills me with gratitude and hope." This acknowledgement not only speaks to the film’s financial achievements but also its impact on social conversations around shame, desire, and self-acceptance.
Interesting segments of the film even see mental health professionals utilizing Babygirl as a springboard for discussions on female sexuality and aging. This cultural reach has sparked philosophical musings and personal reflections on identity and self-acceptance. Reports suggest widespread conversation across different demographics, emphasizing the film's reach beyond typical artistic critiques.
Interestingly, the portrayal of Romy and her personal struggles gives the film its unique voice—one which resonates with audiences yearning for complex depictions of women’s lives and sexuality. Critics have pointed out how Babygirl mirrors not just the escapism sought from films but also the real-life dilemmas faced by women trying to reconcile personal desires against societal expectations.
While nominations were sorely missed, the success of Babygirl continues to validate the importance of diverse storytelling and bold narrative choices. Amid box office successes, the discussions inspired by the film point to its lasting legacy. Whether attracting attention on the film circuit or creating parameters for meaningful dialogue, Babygirl's influence extends well beyond its notable revenue.
Overall, as Babygirl continues to draw viewers both for its steamy narratives and additional underlying themes, it proves to be much more than just another box office success. The film has cleverly navigated taboo topics, offering fresh perspectives on modern female identity and sexuality.