Now You Know, Simply!

Q: What is “Babygirl” all about, and why is it causing such a buzz?

A: “Babygirl” is an erotic thriller starring Nicole Kidman, who plays a successful New York tech mogul. At 57, Kidman dives into some of her boldest scenes yet, including moments of nudity and botox injections. The film explores her character’s affair with a young intern, leading her into a soft BDSM relationship. But it’s not just about steamy scenes - it delves into themes of desire, power, consent, and the complexities of marriage. Kidman’s performance and the film’s provocative narrative have turned heads at the Venice Film Festival, where it was presented.

Q: Why is Nicole Kidman, a major Hollywood star, taking on such a daring role?

A: Nicole Kidman is no stranger to bold roles, but in “Babygirl,” she pushes the envelope even further. She’s fascinated by stories that challenge the norms and offer a fresh perspective on themes like desire and identity. In her own words, Kidman hopes the film is liberating, particularly because it’s told from a woman’s perspective by director Halina Reijn. This viewpoint makes the story unique and personal for Kidman, allowing her to explore her character’s inner conflicts and desires in a raw, unfiltered way.

Q: Who are the other key players in “Babygirl”?

A: Alongside Nicole Kidman, “Babygirl” features Antonio Banderas as her husband, a theater director who’s clueless about his wife’s dissatisfaction. Harris Dickinson, a rising star known from the 2022 Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” plays the young intern who sparks Kidman’s character’s sexual awakening. Their relationship sets off a series of events that threaten to unravel her personal and professional life.

Q: Is “Babygirl” just another erotic thriller, or does it bring something new to the genre?

A: While “Babygirl” draws from the classic erotic thrillers of the 80s and 90s, like “Basic Instinct” and “Fatal Attraction,” it aims to bring a fresh, modern perspective. Directed by Halina Reijn, the film seeks to rejuvenate a genre that has become dated, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. By focusing on female desire and portraying sex from a woman’s point of view, it adds a layer of complexity and authenticity often missing in its predecessors.

Q: What makes Halina Reijn the right choice to direct this film?

A: Halina Reijn is a relatively new director with a background in acting, including work with Paul Verhoeven. Her experience on both sides of the camera gives her a nuanced understanding of storytelling and character development. Reijn’s goal with “Babygirl” was to reinvent the erotic thriller through a feminist lens, showing that both men and women have complex desires. Her approach focuses on breaking down traditional stereotypes and exploring the inner conflicts that shape our identities.

Q: How does “Babygirl” fit into the current landscape of cinema?

A: “Babygirl” is part of a broader movement in contemporary cinema that seeks to expand the representation of sex, power, and relationships on screen. In recent years, films like “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” have shifted the focus to the female gaze and storytelling. “Babygirl” continues this trend by exploring a woman’s desire and power dynamics, all while navigating the traditional Hollywood themes of family and marriage. Though some critics argue it doesn’t break many new taboos, its inclusion in film festivals indicates a growing acceptance of diverse narratives in mainstream cinema.

Q: What should audiences expect from “Babygirl”?

A: Viewers can expect a blend of drama, eroticism, and psychological tension. While some scenes might evoke comparisons to “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Babygirl” attempts to offer a more profound exploration of its characters’ emotional landscapes. It’s a film that questions societal norms, examines the complexity of human desire, and challenges traditional power dynamics - all while keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Q: What significant milestone has "Inside Out 2" achieved at the international box office?

A: "Inside Out 2" has surpassed $1 billion at the international box office, making it the first animated film to reach this milestone.

Q: How many films have grossed over $1 billion globally?

A: While 55 films have grossed $1 billion globally, only 12 have achieved this from overseas markets alone, and "Inside Out 2" is the only animated film among them.

Q: What is notable about Disney's 2019 "The Lion King" in relation to "Inside Out 2"?

A: Although Disney’s 2019 "The Lion King" earned $1.1 billion internationally, it has been categorized as a live-action film, so "Inside Out 2" is technically the first animated release to join the billion-dollar club.

Q: Which foreign markets contributed the most to "Inside Out 2"'s success?

A: The top foreign markets for "Inside Out 2" are Mexico ($102.2 million), Brazil ($80 million), the U.K. ($72.7 million), France ($62.6 million), and Korea ($60.8 million).

Q: How much has "Inside Out 2" grossed globally to date?

A: "Inside Out 2" has grossed $1.649 billion globally, with $1.002 billion from overseas and $646.3 million domestically.

Q: How does "Inside Out 2" compare to other animated films?

A: "Inside Out 2" has overtaken "Frozen II" as the highest-grossing animated film in history.

Q: What other Disney films have performed well at the box office this summer?

A: Disney has had a strong summer with two billion-dollar releases: "Inside Out 2" and the Marvel superhero sequel "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Q: How does "Deadpool & Wolverine" compare to "Inside Out 2" in terms of international box office?

A: "Deadpool & Wolverine" has generated about $634.1 million internationally, which is significantly less than "Inside Out 2." Its R rating limits its audience to those 18 and over.

Q: What is the current worldwide gross for "Deadpool & Wolverine"?

A: "Deadpool & Wolverine" currently stands at $1.21 billion worldwide, making it the eighth-biggest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Q: When did Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck officially divorce?

A: Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on their second wedding anniversary, August 20, 2024. The separation date is listed as April 26, 2024.

Q: Did Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have a prenuptial agreement?

A: No, the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, which means all wealth acquired during their marriage could be considered community property in the divorce proceedings.

Q: What is Jennifer Lopez's net worth?

A: Jennifer Lopez has a net worth of approximately $400 million. Her wealth has been built through various projects, including movies, music, and self-funded documentaries.

Q: How has Jennifer Lopez continued to build her wealth since marrying Ben Affleck?

A: Since their marriage in 2022, Lopez has been involved in several successful projects, including the Netflix sci-fi film "Atlas," "The Mother" (2023), and "Marry Me" (2022). She also released a documentary and an album, "This Is Me…Now."

Q: What is Ben Affleck's net worth?

A: Ben Affleck’s net worth is reportedly around $150 million. His earnings come from acting, producing, and business ventures, including a partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts.

Q: What projects has Ben Affleck worked on since his marriage to Jennifer Lopez?

A: Ben Affleck has been involved in multiple projects, including films like "The Flash," "Air," "The Instigators," and "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom." He also has producing credits and is set to star in the sequel to "The Accountant."

Q: What business ventures is Ben Affleck involved in?

A: In addition to his film career, Affleck has a partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts and is a co-founder of the production company Artists Equity, alongside Matt Damon. He also founded the Eastern Congo Initiative, a non-profit organization.

Q: Did Jennifer Lopez request spousal support?

A: No, Jennifer Lopez has waived her right to spousal support and requested that Ben Affleck not be granted spousal support either.

Q: How many times have Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck been married?

A: This was Jennifer Lopez’s fourth marriage and Ben Affleck’s second.

Q: Are there any children involved in this divorce?

A: Ben Affleck shares three children with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, but there are no reports of children from his marriage with Jennifer Lopez.