One of Margot Robbie’s latest epic films, boasting a dedicated fan following, has recently made its way onto Netflix and it’s not the highly acclaimed Barbie.
Before teaming up for the hotly discussed Barbie project, Robbie joined forces with Brad Pitt and took a trip back in time to delve into the golden age of cinema, under the direction of an Oscar-lauded filmmaker.
Regrettably, despite such high-calibre talent, Damien Chazelle’s ambitious, lengthy period piece Babylon didn’t resonate with cinema-goers, falling short at the box office.
The film juggles the tale of wannabe starlet Nellie LaRoy (played by Robbie) who soars to stardom following her encounter with Mexican immigrant Manny Torres (Diego Calva) at a wild 1926 Bel Air party.
While Nellie grapples with the swift transition to talkies, Manny ascends to become a top studio executive, mingling with fading icon Jack Conrad (Pitt) and unraveling the grim realities of the Hollywood dream, reports the Mirror.
Though Babylon initially missed the mark with critics and moviegoers alike upon its release in 2022, bagging a lukewarm 57 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it has nonetheless carved out a passionate niche audience convinced it’s en route to cult classic status.
Renowned horror novelist Stephen King also appears to champion the film, as he expressed on X (formerly Twitter), “Maybe this says more about me than the film, but I thought BABYLON was utterly brilliant…
“Extravagant, over the top, hilarious, thought-provoking. Might be one of those movies that reviews badly and is acclaimed as a classic in 20 years.”
The film also topped Collider’s list of 10 Poorly Rated Movies Destined to Become Cult Classics.
“To some, it’s a self-indulgent mess, but others think it’s a brilliantly explosive and maximalist masterwork,” they penned.
“Whatever the case, Babylon will likely be remembered as one of the 2020s’ biggest cult classics a few years from now.”
One ardent fan commented on X: “Second viewing on Babylon… Pure cinema and criminally underrated messy film of masterpiece! Cast is perfect once again!”
“Damien Chazelle thank you for making this movie it’s just what I needed and what cinema needed! Music/soundtrack is perfect! I love Babylon!”
Sky has brought back its viral free trial, meaning you can bag a Netflix subscription and Sky Stream for £0 for the first month, offering customers a saving of £31.
This means members can enjoy binge-worthy shows like House of the Dragon, The Walking Dead and Bridgerton without paying a penny.
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Sky“Babylon will go down in film history as a deeply misunderstood and criminally underrated cinematic masterpiece,” another chimed in. “It may not be viewed as such anytime soon but it will be in a few years.”
“It deserved additional [Oscar] nods in picture, actor, cinematography, editing, makeup the very least.”
So, are you planning to give Babylon a watch this week?
Babylon is available to stream on Netflix.