Raunchy thriller with Oscar winner at ‘career best’ | Films | Entertainment

A raunchy erotic thriller with an Oscar winner’s apparent ‘career best performance’ is now streaming on Prime Video.

Babygirl, initially released in UK cinemas back in January earlier this year, is now available to watch from home.

The movie caused quite a stir upon its release due to its inclusion of risque scenes, which gained comparison to another steamy title, Fifty Shades of Grey.

The film reportedly earned a seven-minute standing ovation when it debuted at Venice Film Festival. Now audiences can decide for themselves what they think of the steamy film.

According to the synopsis, Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman stars as a successful CEO. She is living a calm domestic life with her husband (played by Antonio Banderas) and children. Then enters her new intern played by Harris Dickinson.

Kidman’s character soon finds herself jeopardising her career and family, risking everything as she pursues a passionate affair and navigates forbidden love.

Reviews were somewhat mixed for the film however it still managed to earn a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with 76%. Many critics singled out Kidman for her performance.

One reviewer went so far as to claim: “Babygirl is absolutely riveting, with a career-best performance from Kidman.”

Others were quick to compare it to other films with similar themes or plot details. In particular a popular point of comparison was the adaptations of Fifty Shades of Grey.

In one review, a critic stated: “Babygirl is an intoxicating erotic drama that is far more complex, and therefore much more interesting, than the comparable Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.”

Making a similar point, someone else penned: “Babygirl is the movie Fifty Shades of Grey and its sequels wanted to be. It’s a serious exploration of personal kink that radiates intelligence and evokes emotion instead of merely titillating.”

Fans also shared mixed feelings on the film but plenty were quick to explain their recommendations with one person claiming the film left them on ‘the edge of their seat’. A user sharing their thoughts on IMDB, said: “Babygirl has stayed with me long after the credits rolled. It is more than just a story about erotic tension, it’s about awakening something deeper: the craving for every part of us to be fully alive. The film captures loneliness, longing, and self-discovery in a way that feels raw and real and sexy as hell.”

They continued: “For me, Babygirl wasn’t just entertainment. It stirred something powerful: a reminder that desire, hunger, and even our perceived darkness can be beautiful parts of who we are. We can have our cake and eat it too — once we embrace every part of who we are.”

Someone else posted: “This is a unique and well-crafted film. It explores intriguing intricacies surrounding unfulfilled desires, highlighting how they can consume a person when finally realized, becoming as addictive and destructive as a drug. Kidman delivers an elite performance, portraying her character’s internal struggles with nuance and depth.

“The storyline is smart, with indirect analogies to AI and the complexities of the human mind adding layers of thoughtfulness. The cinematography, wardrobe, and settings are exceptional, fully immersing the viewer in the film’s world. While not flawless, there’s much to appreciate here.”

Babygirl is streaming on Prime Video.