Renowned for her versatility and talent, Nicole Kidman has solidified her status as a leading figure in Hollywood over the past few decades. Most recently, she has found acclaim with the erotic thriller Babygirl. Kidman first gained significant attention for her role in the 1989 ocean thriller Dead Calm and has since navigated an impressive array of genres, including erotic thrillers like Eyes Wide Shut. This diverse acting portfolio undoubtedly positioned her as an ideal candidate for Babygirl, and the film’s favorable reviews underscore this ideal casting choice.
Despite her celebrated contributions to the film industry, Kidman’s journey has not been without its challenges. Some of her more recent projects have struggled to resonate with both critics and audiences, leading to a disheartening streak of low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes for the years 2023 and 2024. Fortunately, Babygirl has successfully reversed this trend, highlighting Kidman’s remarkable talent and once again placing her in the spotlight.
Babygirl Achieves 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, Ending a Series of “Rotten”Ratings
Nicole Kidman’s Latest Film Receives Positive Critical Feedback
The narrative of Babygirl revolves around a high-powered executive who embarks on a complex affair with a younger man, portrayed by rising talent Harris Dickinson. The film delves into the intricate dynamics of their relationship while addressing the implications of her decisions on her personal life and family. Although general audiences have been more reserved in their reaction to Babygirl, critics have praised it, resulting in a commendable 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a stark improvement from the “rotten”ratings of her previous three films.
| Nicole Kidman Movie | Release Date | RT Critics Score | RT Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | December 2023 | 33% | 80% |
| A Family Affair | June 2024 | 36% | 30% |
| Spellbound | November 2024 | 45% | 51% |
| Babygirl | December 2024 | 77% | 54% |
Kidman’s animated film for Netflix, Spellbound, received middling reviews, earning a 45% critic score and 51% from audiences. Meanwhile, A Family Affair, which explored themes of infidelity, was similarly panned with a 36% critic rating and an even lower audience score of 30%. The Aquaman sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, marked her only film in 2023 and finished with a disappointing critic score of 33%, although audiences responded more favorably with an 80% rating.
A Decade Since Kidman’s Last Streak of Rotten Ratings
Recent Films Mirror Past Streaks of Poor Ratings
Despite her celebrated career, Nicole Kidman’s recent cinematic offerings have faced significant hurdles reminiscent of her previous negative streaks on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2011, she starred in Just Go With It and Trespass, alongside producing Monte Carlo, all attaining scores below 50%. This was followed by the 2012 films The Paperboy and Hemingway & Gellhorn, which shared the same fate. Thankfully, this streak ended with her 2013 release, Stoker, which achieved a respectable 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Interestingly, this unsatisfactory streak had followed another negative trajectory just two years earlier. Between 2007 and 2009, she starred in films like Margot at the Wedding, The Golden Compass, and Australia, which similarly received unfavorable scores from critics. These films, along with the accompanying audience responses, illustrated a consistent pattern of poor receptions. Notably, her streak of challenging ratings concluded in 2010 with the critically acclaimed Rabbit Hole, a film that Kidman also produced.
Reasons Behind Babygirl’s Higher Rating Compared to Kidman’s Recent Films
Acclaimed Narrative and Performances Highlight Babygirl
With the release of Babygirl, it is evident why this film has seen such positive critical reception, reversing Kidman’s recent misfortunes. The film showcases stellar performances from Kidman, Antonio Banderas, and Harris Dickinson. Additionally, Halina Reijn’s compelling script offers a coherent and engaging story that resonates without leaving viewers wanting more. Notably, the themes and plot of Babygirl cater more effectively to critical tastes compared to Kidman’s recent films, even in the case of A Family Affair, which bore similar thematic elements.
While films like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, A Family Affair, and Spellbound provide entertainment, they often lack the elements that attract high ratings and accolades. The dramatic and thriller aspects of Babygirl elevate its status beyond that of a superhero sequel or animated feature, making its critical acclaim a logical outcome. As Nicole Kidman continues to explore varied roles, it is hoped that Babygirl will serve as a reminder of the genres where her talents shine brightest.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes