A new trailer for “Babygirl” has been released by A24.
I was floored by Nicole Kidman’s performance in “Babygirl." Kidman has rarely been as good, and fearless, in her career than in this film, and that’s saying a lot. This is way up there with her very best roles (“Birth,” “To Die For,” “Dogville”). It’s definitely in the top 4.
Here’s what I previously wrote about “Babygirl” …
Kidman plays a married career woman who ends up having an affair with a controlling, and somehow sweet, 21-year-old intern (a deliciously manic Harris Dickinson). The wild and unpredictable nature of their affair kept me on the edge of my seat. There’s a balance of power that keeps being played with, and you’re never really sure where it’s going to go next.
Halina Reijn directs the film with the same brazen style she infused in “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies,” although “Babygirl” is far better than that film, and is filled with much more character depth. You continuously question the motivations of both of these main characters — what’s the end goal exactly? That’s part of the fun.
Although Reijn doesn’t quite stick the landing in the film’s contrived finale, “Babygirl” has these deliriously shocking moments leading up to it that will stay etched in your memory for a good long time.
This year’s Best Actress race is shaping up quite nicely. I’d say Kidman is practically locked for a nomination and will likely compete against Mikey Madison (Anora), Karla Sofia Gascon (Emilia Perez), and Angelina Jolie (Maria). Watch out for Marianne Jeanne-Baptiste (Hard Truths) to potentially sneak in there.
A24 plans to release “Babygirl” in theaters on December 20.