A24’s critically acclaimed erotic thriller Babygirl is set to make its streaming debut exclusively on Max on April 25, with a linear HBO premiere following on April 26 at 8 p.m. ET. The film, which combines raw passion with a smart narrative, marks another milestone for A24 as it continues to push boundaries in adult storytelling and cinematic intimacy.
Release Update
The streaming rollout for Babygirl has been clearly defined.
Max Streaming Debut: April 25, 2025
HBO Linear Premiere: April 26, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET
This dual-platform release strategy aims to capture both the growing streaming audience and traditional TV viewers, ensuring that the film reaches a broad and diverse audience.
Film Overview
Babygirl is an erotic thriller that centers on Romy, a high-powered CEO who risks her career and family life when she embarks on an affair with her significantly younger intern. Directed by Halina Reijn, the film stars Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, supported by a talented ensemble including Antonio Banderas, Esther Rose McGregor, Sophie Wilde, and Izabel Mar. The narrative delves into the complexities of desire, ambition, and the sacrifices one makes when personal and professional worlds collide. By blending elements of passion with the harsh realities of modern power dynamics, the film crafts a story that is as provocative as it is thought-provoking.
Critical Reception
Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024, Babygirl garnered rave reviews from critics. Renowned film critic Owen Gleiberman noted that the film’s ambition extends beyond merely fueling the thriller engine—it seeks to capture something genuine about women’s erotic experience in an era marked by control and convention. The film’s balanced mix of raw emotion and stylish narrative has positioned it as one of A24’s standout projects, with many considering it a significant step forward in the genre.
Kidman’s Transformative Performance
While Nicole Kidman missed out on an Oscar nomination for what many critics hailed as the most daring performance of her career, her work in Babygirl did not go unnoticed.
She took home best actress prizes at both the Venice Film Festival and the National Board Review.
Kidman also received a Golden Globe nomination for her role.
In a recent “Actors on Actors” conversation with Zendaya, Kidman explained that joining Babygirl was an easy decision for her. “As soon as I heard it was called ‘Babygirl,’ I was like, ‘Yeah. I want to be the babygirl,’” she recalled. Kidman emphasized the importance of on-screen chemistry and the film’s exploration of intimacy, noting that the project allowed her to share deeply personal secrets on camera.
Strategic Streaming Approach
A24’s decision to bring Babygirl to streaming underscores a growing trend among studios to leverage digital platforms for their most boundary-pushing films. After its theatrical release on Christmas, which saw the film gross over $63 million worldwide and rank among A24’s top 10 highest-grossing films, the streaming debut is expected to further extend its reach. This approach not only offers a new revenue stream but also makes the film accessible to a global audience that increasingly prefers streaming over traditional movie-going experiences.
Box Office and Cultural Impact
The commercial success of Babygirl in theaters speaks volumes about its resonance with audiences. Grossing more than $63 million worldwide, the film demonstrated that bold, adult narratives can perform strongly in a competitive market. Its success is particularly noteworthy given the film’s challenging subject matter and mature themes. By focusing on a story that interweaves professional ambition with personal desire, Babygirl has sparked conversations about modern relationships, power dynamics, and the evolving portrayal of female sexuality in cinema.
Industry Reaction and Future Prospects
The upcoming streaming debut has generated significant buzz across the entertainment industry. Industry insiders view the film as a testament to A24’s ability to consistently deliver provocative and artistically compelling projects. The film’s success at prestigious festivals and its strong box office performance have set the stage for what could be a long-term streaming success story. For studios and independent filmmakers alike, Babygirl serves as a reminder that daring, intimate storytelling can break through conventional norms and connect with audiences on multiple levels.
