Babygirlhas received a divisive Rotten Tomatoes audience score, setting a shocking record for Nicole Kidman. The erotic thriller, directed and written by Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies), delves into the life of Romy, a powerful tech CEO in New York who embarks on a dangerous and impassioned affair with her younger intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson).TheBabygirlcast also featuresAntonio Banderas and Sophie Wilde, who join Kidman in a story exploring Romy’s sexual repression and journey to self-acceptance.

Babygirlhas a 55%Rotten Tomatoesaudience score, making it part of an unexpected trend of audience misfires for Kidman this year. Despite Kidman’s compelling performance, which helped the erotic film achieve a77% Rotten Tomatoes score among critics, the audience response to her recent films, including Netflix’sSpellboundand the rom-comA Family Affair, reveals a surprising disconnect for an actor known for her command of acclaimed and award-winning roles.

Harris Dickinson and Nicole Kidman in the elevator together in Babygirl

What Babygirl’s Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score Means

It’s A Divisive Year For Kidman

WhileBabygirlearned critical praise for its exploration of power dynamics and emotional complexity, its 56% audience score underscores a trend of polarizing reactions to Kidman’s 2024 movies. Nonetheless,Screen Rant’s Alex Harrisongave the erotic thrillera glowing 9 out of 10 review, commending Reijn’s “wicked sense of humor” and the “great acting” from Kidman and Dickinson, contenting the film is “fascinating to watch.”

However, afterSpellbound’s 51% audience score andA Family Affair’s audience score of 30%, both of which fared worse with critics,Kidman’s 2024 output highlights a stark divide between her critical acclaim and broader audience reception. Known for embracing unconventional roles, the star has built a celebrated career by taking creative risks with visionary auteurs between high-profile blockbusters. For instance, she followed Robert Egger’s Viking epicThe Northmanin 2022 with DC’sAquaman and the Lost Kingdomin 2023.

Harris Dickinson and Nicole Kidman lying in bed together in Babygirl

56%

77%

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51%

45%

30%

36%

Over nearly four decades,Kidman has demonstrated her versatilityacross a wide range of genres. She has made a name for herself by seeking eccentric roles in risky projects like Kubrick’s erotic thrillerEyes Wide Shut(1999), whereBabygirlpulls inspiration from, and Baz Luhrmann’sMoulin Rouge!While this approach has solidified her reputation as one of the most daring actresses of her generation, it also means that some projects may struggle to resonate with broader audiences. Her 2024 scores thus reflectthe challenges of balancing artistic ambition with mainstream appeal.

Our Take On Nicole Kidman’s 2024 Rotten Tomatoes Record

Bold Choices Keep The Conversation Alive

Kidman’s 2024 movie year may be defined by divisive audience reactions, but it’s also a testament to her fearless commitment to challenging and unconventional roles. WithBabygirl,she continues to explore narratives that defy traditional expectations, tackling complex themes with a boldness that has long defined her career.

Where To Watch Babygirl: Showtimes & Streaming Status

The thriller Babygirl, which stars Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, and Harris Dickinson, is one of the final theatrical releases of 2024.

While audience scores suggest a disconnect with some viewers, they also highlight the creative risksKidman is willing to take in pursuit of an ambitious story. This approach has consistently set her apart in an industry often reliant on formulas, franchises, and adaptations that are more likely to guarantee broad audience appeal.

Babygirlsparks conversation with a unique, character-driven story that, as Screen Rant’s Harrison notes, “forces us [to] look beyond their easily digestible packaging.” Her ability to surprise and challenge audiences remains one of her greatest strengths, proving that taking risks is often the most powerful move an artist can make.

Babygirl

Cast

Babygirl revolves around a high-powered CEO who risks her career and family by engaging in a passionate affair with her much younger intern. Released in 2024, this narrative explores themes of ambition, power dynamics, and personal sacrifice.