Nicole Kidman’s ‘Babygirl’ Sparks Debate on Erotic Cinema Revival

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A24‘s steamy thriller Babygirl, starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, is set to debut on digital streaming platforms on Jan. 28, 2025. The film, which opened in theaters on Dec. 25, 2024, has already grossed $29.3 million worldwide, sparking conversations about the resurgence of erotic cinema.

Directed by Halina Reijn, Babygirl follows Romy (Kidman), a high-powered CEO who risks her career and family for a torrid affair with her much younger intern, Samuel (Dickinson). The film also features Antonio Banderas as Romy’s husband, Jacob, and Sophie Wilde as her assistant, Esme.

According to industry tracker When to Stream, the film will be available for digital purchase at $24.99 and rental at $19.99 on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. However, A24 has yet to officially confirm the release date.

Critics have praised Babygirl for its provocative yet nuanced portrayal of female desire, earning a 77% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s Critics Consensus highlights Kidman and Dickinson’s “memorably smoldering” performances, while audiences have been more divided, giving it a 48% “rotten” rating.

Beth Webb of Empire Magazine called the film “fiercely erotic, nuanced, and raucously funny,” while Kyle Smith of The Wall Street Journal lauded Kidman’s portrayal of Romy as “fully realized.” However, John Powers of NPR criticized the film for glossing over its sexual politics, and Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian found it lacking in genuine erotic tension.

Babygirl arrives amid a reported decline in sexual content in Hollywood films. A 2024 study by Stephen Follows revealed a 40% drop in sexual content compared to the early 2000s, with half of recent films featuring none at all. Yet, the film’s unapologetic exploration of desire has resonated with audiences, particularly younger viewers seeking more authentic representations of intimacy.

Reijn’s approach to sex scenes has also drawn attention. Rather than explicit visuals, the film focuses on the emotional and psychological dynamics of Romy and Samuel’s relationship. “Sex isn’t about two bodies banging up against each other,” Reijn told Variety. “That’s why Babygirl circles around it.”

The film’s portrayal of BDSM has sparked debate among experts. Dr. Stefani Goerlich, a clinical sexologist, praised its depiction of the risks and pitfalls of kink but noted the lack of critical analysis. “A movie that modeled real negotiation and aftercare would be revolutionary,” she said.

As Babygirl prepares for its digital release, it stands as a bold entry in the evolving landscape of erotic cinema, challenging norms and sparking conversations about desire, power, and representation.