2022 was a standout year for cinema. With theaters finally buzzing after the pandemic slump, moviegoers were spoiled with unforgettable films competing for Best Picture. Among the many gems, one title stood out for its audacious ambition and star-studded cast: Babylon.
Directed by Damien Chazelle— the genius behind Whiplash, La La Land, and First Man—this movie promised to be more than just another ode to Hollywood. Instead, it was a raw, unflinching dive into the excess and temptation of Tinseltown’s golden era. Part love letter, part cautionary tale, Babylon captivated the audience even before its release.
Here’s a deep dive into everything we know about Babylon, so before watching, let’s get all the details.
Advertisement All You Need to Know About Babylon Movie!
Babylon had an exclusive theatrical release on December 23, 2022, and opened wide on January 6, 2023. The movie tells the stories of several characters during Hollywood’s shift from silent films to movies with sound. It shows the wild side of early Hollywood and the rise and fall of different people in the industry.
The official synopsis says,
From Damien Chazelle, Babylon is an original epic set in 1920s Los Angeles, starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva, with an ensemble cast including Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, and Jean Smart. It’s a story of big dreams and extreme excess, following the rise and fall of multiple characters in a time of wild decadence and corruption in early Hollywood.”
Babylon Trailer Highlights: Scandals, Drama, and Glamour!
The first teaser trailer for Babylon premiered in September 2022. It started with Margot Robbie’s character, Nellie LaRoy, using cocaine while Diego Calva’s Manny Torres watched. Nellie talked about her dreams and how she would spend her money. Then, Brad Pitt’s character, Jack Conrad, discussed how he had changed Hollywood and planned to make even more changes. The trailer showed a lot of partying, and it ended with Nellie offering to fight a snake at a party, with Jack cheering her on.
The full trailer for Babylon was released on November 28, 2022. It included many of the same scenes from the teaser but also added new ones. Samara Weaving’s character appeared, accusing Nellie LaRoy of icing her nipples to steal scenes. Nellie was shown meeting with studio executives about “morals” and crying in a bathroom, saying she felt like a disappointment. The trailer also revealed that when Jack Conrad fell off his balcony, he landed safely in his swimming pool.
The Cast of Babylon: Hollywood’s Finest Under One Direction!
Hollywood’s biggest stars brought the glamour of 1920s Hollywood to life in this movie. Leading the charge were none other than Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood co-stars Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Here’s a table summarizing the cast of Babylon along with their roles:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Brad Pitt | Jack Conrad |
| Margot Robbie | Nellie LaRoy |
| Jean Smart | Elinor St. John |
| Olivia Wilde | Ina Conrad |
| J.C. Currais | Truck Driver (as JC Currais) |
| Diego Calva | Manny Torres |
| Jimmy Ortega | Elephant Wrangler |
| Marcos A. Ferraez | Police Officer (as Marcos Ferraez) |
| Shane Powers | Dale |
| Phoebe Tonkin | Jane Thornton |
| Troy Metcalf | Orville Pickwick |
| Jovan Adepo | Sidney Palmer |
| Hansford Prince | Joe Holiday |
| Telvin Griffin | Reggie |
| Cutty Cuthbert | Jimmy |
| Albert Hammond Jr. | Guest (Chicken Line) |
| Flea | Bob Levine |
| Bregje Heinen | Female Guest (Nathalie) |
Filming Details and Runtime of Babylon
Babylon started filming on July 1, 2021, following strict COVID-19 safety rules. The production was initially planned for mid-2020 but was delayed. Filming wrapped up on October 21, 2021, mainly in the Los Angeles. With a budget of around $78 million, it became Damien Chazelle’s most expensive project. At 188 minutes (3 hours and 8 minutes), Babylon was one of the longest films of the year, alongside Avatar: The Way of Water.
Major Awards and Nominations for Babylon
Here’s a quick look at all the big awards and nominations Babylon has received:
| Award | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Globes | Best Picture: Comedy/Musical | Babylon |
| Best Actress: Comedy/Musical | Margot Robbie | |
| Best Actor: Comedy/Musical | Diego Calva | |
| Best Supporting Actor | Brad Pitt | |
| Best Score | Babylon | |
| Critics’ Choice Awards | Best Picture | Babylon |
| Best Actress | Margot Robbie | |
| Best Director | Damien Chazelle | |
| Best Cinematography | Babylon | |
| Best Production Design | Babylon | |
| Best Editing | Babylon | |
| Best Hair and Makeup | Babylon | |
| Best Score | Babylon | |
| Hollywood Critics Association | Best Costume Design | Babylon |
| Best Production Design | Babylon | |
| Best Score | Babylon | |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical | Margot Robbie |
| Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical | Diego Calva | |
| Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Jean Smart | |
| Best Original Score | Babylon | |
| Best Cinematography | Babylon | |
| Best Sound | Babylon | |
| Best Visual Effects | Babylon | |
| Best Production Design | Babylon | |
| Best Costume Design | Babylon |
What’s the Critic’s Take on Babylon?
Babylon earned an impressive 7.1 out of 10 IMDb rating. According to the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it also made quite an impact.
Babylon is a chaotic, decadent story about people who dream of stardom, achieve it, and are ultimately reduced to stardust. Packed with movie-making madness, it’s a love-or-hate viewing experience.
According to the review from Collider:
Babylon is a visually striking film that shows the wild and dark side of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s. Directed by Damien Chazelle, it has amazing cinematography, stunning sets, and costumes. The cast, including Margot Robbie and Diego Calva, delivers strong performances. The movie is long but keeps you interested with fast pacing and a mix of comedy and drama. It both critiques and celebrates the film industry, with a bold ending that sticks with you. It’s a unique, chaotic movie that’s hard to forget.
Explaining the Ending of Babylon
The ending of Babylon reflects the rise and fall of Hollywood, showing how the industry changed over time. Manny returns to Los Angeles after years away, watching Singin’ in the Rain in a theater, which represents the industry’s shift from silent films to talkies. The montage highlights key movies that marked important milestones in cinema history, from The Horse in Motion to The Matrix, celebrating how each film influenced the evolution of Hollywood. Despite the industry’s many changes and struggles, Manny is moved, crying at the nostalgia, as he sees the lasting impact of the films he was part of.
The movie also dives into the tragic fates of its characters. Nellie, who struggled with addiction and her Hollywood image, dies from a likely overdose. Jack, unable to cope with the end of his career, takes his own life. Sidney Palmer escapes the industry, leaving Hollywood behind due to the racism he faced. The film ends on a bittersweet note, showing both Hollywood’s glamour and dark side, emphasizing how the industry continues to thrive despite the personal sacrifices and pain of those who contributed to its legacy.
Is Babylon on Netflix?
Yes, Babylon is now available to stream on Netflix. You can enjoy all your favorite shows like Devara Part 1, ‘My Oni Girl, Love Village Season 2, Agents of Mystery Season 1, ‘Supacell’ Season 1, CTRL, Worst Roommate Ever Season 2, Nobody Wants This, Atlas, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Season 1, King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch Season 2, Kaulitz & Kaulitz’ Season 1 and more.
| Streaming Service | Pricing Starts At | Available Locations |
| Netflix | $6.99 per month (standard with Ads)$15.49 per month (Standard)$22.99 per month (Premium) | US, UK, Australia, and over 190 countries in the world. |
FAQs:
the Paramount-backed Hollywood epic flopped with only $15 million at the domestic box office and $63 million worldwide
Babylon is a film about the highs and lows of four individuals working in 1920s Hollywood.
Babylon is a 2022 American epic historical black comedy drama.
Babylon is a fictional story inspired by real people and events in Hollywood’s transition to sound films.
Bottom Line!
Babylon movie is a wild journey through the crazy world of 1920s Hollywood. The film has fantastic visuals, great music, and strong performances from its cast. While long and bold, it shows the magic and the harsh side of making movies. It might not be for everyone, but it’s a film that sticks with you, whether you love it or not.