'Misunderstood masterpiece' starring Margot Robbie now streaming for free

An R-rated Margot Robbie drama dubbed 'a misunderstood masterpiece' is now streaming for free.

Channel 4's on-demand service has just added Babylon to its catalogue, ready for Robbie fans to devour. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, who helmed hit films La La Land and Whiplash, the 2022 dramedy tells a unique story.

It follows Hollywood's transition from silent films to 'talkies' and how the shift impacted industry professionals. Viewers follow up-and-coming actress Nellie LaRoy (played by Robbie) and movie star Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt) as they navigate "an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood," according to the synopsis.

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Fans of Chazelle's previous works will note passing similarities between Babylon and La La Land, which is also set in Los Angeles and zeroes in on characters pursuing their dreams in Hollywood. However, the Oscar-winning director delves into darker themes here, exploring everything from crippling drug addiction to the depravity of the film industry.

While the drama's star-studded cast piqued audiences' attention, Babylon ultimately failed to impress. It boasts a sour 57% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with casual viewers awarding it a less generous 52%.

The critical consensus reads: "Babylon's overwhelming muchness is exhausting, but much like the industry it honours, its well-acted, well-crafted glitz and glamour can often be an effective distraction."

However, despite its low-ratings, the 2022 dramedy has become more popular over the years. Movie-goers are convinced the three-hour flick will be retrospectively praised as a classic.

One five-star Google Review argues: "[...] Within the decade [this] will be considered a misunderstood masterpiece by many."

Someone else echoed the sentiment, penning: "All I can say about Babylon is that it is a misunderstood masterpiece. I have never witnessed more decadence in the first 34 minutes of a film ever !! It’s outrageous and absolutely fantastic."

Meanwhile, a Rotten Tomatoes user praised: "UNDER FREAKING RATED," with a second stating: "I wish it was 5 hours...Wow!!! What a ride. The music, the story, the acting...genius, pure genius!"

Yet another fan shared: "Meaningful, beautiful and entertaining. Easily one of the greatest movie ever made. It felt like Wolf of Wall Street from Hollywood between 20s and 30s. This movie should be praised."

Babylon is streaming now on Channel 4.