Toronto: Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman Take Big Swings In, Are Serious Contenders for ‘Queer’ and ‘Babygirl’

As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that these two films – Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” and Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” – are nothing short of extraordinary. A24 has once again proven their knack for spotting and promoting groundbreaking cinema with these daring masterpieces, showcasing the raw talent of Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman in roles that push the boundaries of conventional Hollywood stardom.

20th Century Studios, known for producing films such as “Room”, “Moonlight”, “Lady Bird”, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Past Lives”, demonstrates an audacious and adventurous approach to film distribution, making it one of the most daring in the industry today. This boldness was particularly evident during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where they presented a pair of groundbreaking films (plus a four-hour VistaVision epic acquired during the festival, intended for 70mm projection).

Italian director Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” and Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” made their world debuts at the Venice Film Festival before screening in Toronto. Both films feature prominent Hollywood stars – Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman respectively – taking on daring roles that delve into sexual restraint, or its absence, as well as power struggles. (Kidman received the festival’s best actress award, while Craig was speculated to be a strong contender for the best actor prize.)

Each of these films received prolonged standing ovations in Venice (for nearly nine minutes and seven minutes each), and have garnered praise from critics on either side of the Atlantic, boasting Rotten Tomatoes scores of 78% and 94% respectively. Yet, I anticipate that both movies might encounter challenges when it comes to awards recognition. The first film, Queer, seems overly lengthy at 135 minutes, potentially leading to a high number of walkouts during all screenings; furthermore, the movie contains extensive nudity and sex scenes, which could prove challenging for some older voters.

However, the performances at the heart of these films have earned significant respect and admiration from audiences who might not typically enjoy the movies themselves. This is why I believe that the actors within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences could potentially nominate them. For instance, the Academy has previously recognized powerful performances in divisive films, such as Glenn Close’s performance in 2020’s “Hillbilly Elegy,” Andra Day’s performance in 2020’s “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” and Ana de Armas’s performance in 2022’s “Blonde.

The film titled “Queer,” acquired by A24 prior to Venice, is a work by director Justin Kuritzkes (who also penned Guadagnino’s other highly sexual 2024 film, “Challengers”), based on the late counter-cultural figure William S. Burroughs’ 1985 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name (penned decades earlier). In this adaptation, Craig portrays Burroughs’ alternate character, Bill Lee – an openly gay American living in Mexico City during the 1940s who primarily indulges in a never-ending quest for alcohol, drugs, and intimate relationships with other men.

The movie, which shifts from being realistic to surreal (akin to the 1971 book and 1998 film adaptation of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”), showcases an extraordinary transformation for Craig – physically and symbolically. This metamorphosis is unprecedented compared to anything we’ve seen him perform on screen, although he’s known for his exceptional stage acting as well. Critics from Rolling Stone labeled it “the role of a lifetime” and a significant achievement in his career, while The Hollywood Reporter’s review lauded Craig’s act as “a captivating performance.

In the film “Babygirl”, Nicole Kidman portrays the character Romy. She is a married woman, a mother to teenagers, and a CEO in a corporate setting. Due to unmet sexual needs at home, she finds herself involved in an affair with a younger intern from her workplace. A24, having previously collaborated with the filmmaker on their 2022 English-language directorial debut “Bodies Bodies Bodies”, financed the production from the start.

The movie, surprisingly set to premiere on Christmas Day, carries an intriguing blend of elements reminiscent of old-school erotic thrillers such as “Fatal Attraction” and “Basic Instinct”. However, it also displays contemporary relevance, aligning with the likes of “Tár” and “Fair Play” in notable films that reflect the #MeToo movement.

Nicole Kidman is exceptional, as evidenced not just by the Venice award she received, despite regrettably being unable to accept it in person due to her mother’s passing on the day of the selection, but also by a multitude of praises for her performance. Critics from THR, for instance, commend her bravery and describe her as performing at an exceptional level.

2024-09-12 00:25

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