Margot Robbie Finally Speaks Out on Babylon’s Failure: “I Still Think It’s a Great Film and I’m Proud of It”

Margot Robbie has publicly defended her 2022 film Babylon, which faced harsh criticism and poor box office performance upon release. Speaking in a recent interview, Robbie passionately expressed her belief that Babylon is an amazing film that was misunderstood by many when it first came out.

Set against the backdrop of 1920s Hollywood, Babylon explores the chaos, excitement, and darker sides of the film industry during the transition from silent films to talkies. Despite its ambition and lavish production, the movie was largely panned by critics and struggled commercially. However, Margot Robbie continues to stand by the film and hopes it will be appreciated more over time.

The Story Behind Babylon

Directed by Damien Chazelle, Babylon is a visually spectacular and narratively daring film that dives into the hedonistic and cutthroat world of early Hollywood. The movie stars Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, and Jean Smart, among others.

Margot Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy, a tempestuous silent film star whose rise and fall reflect the larger upheavals in the film industry during this era. The story weaves together various characters navigating fame, excess, and the evolving nature of cinema.

The film’s tone is unapologetically wild and often chaotic, mirroring the volatile spirit of Hollywood in the late 1920s. This bold approach earned both praise and criticism, with some viewers lauding its energy and others feeling overwhelmed by its narrative style.

Initial Reception and Box Office Performance

When Babylon premiered in 2022, it received mixed reviews from critics. Many felt the film’s narrative was disjointed and that its relentless pace was exhausting. The film’s complex style and tone alienated some viewers who preferred more traditional storytelling.

Financially, Babylon struggled at the box office, grossing less than expected given its high-profile cast and considerable budget. This commercial disappointment fueled negative coverage and overshadowed the film’s artistic ambitions.

Margot Robbie’s Perspective on Babylon

In a recent interview alongside Colin Farrell to promote their new film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Margot Robbie spoke openly about Babylon and its reception.

Robbie recalled reading a user review that stated: “Women who love this movie are sexy, but men who love this movie cannot be trusted.” She laughed and confirmed that the review was indeed referring to Babylon, showing her good humor about the film’s polarizing nature.

More importantly, Robbie emphasized how proud she is of her work in Babylon. She said, “I always wondered if you people were out there,” referring to the film’s fans, “when it got slated at the time, both critically and at the box office, I was confused ’cause I think it’s an amazing movie and one I’m very, very proud of being in.”

Why Babylon Deserves a Second Look

One of the key points Robbie makes is that some films are not fully appreciated upon their initial release but grow in stature over time. She suggested that Babylon might be such a film — one that will be looked back on more fondly years down the line.

Robbie said, “I always thought maybe this will be one of those movies that, 20 years later, everyone’s like ‘Oh my God, Babylon didn’t do well at the time? That’s crazy.’” She acknowledged that she hasn’t even had to wait that long, noting the presence of a dedicated fanbase already.

The Artistic Ambition Behind Babylon

Babylon is not a conventional Hollywood film. It embraces excess and chaos as thematic elements, painting a vivid portrait of an industry in flux. This artistic ambition means that the film demands more from its audience, asking viewers to engage with its messiness and moral complexity.

Margot Robbie’s role as Nellie LaRoy showcases a multi-dimensional character full of contradictions — glamorous, vulnerable, wild, and vulnerable. Robbie’s performance was praised by many as one of the film’s standout elements.

The lavish production design, costume work, and period detail further contribute to the film’s immersive quality, making Babylon a feast for the senses despite its narrative challenges.

The Shift in Audience Reception

Since its release, Babylon has found a niche audience that appreciates its boldness and ambition. Platforms where viewers discuss films in depth, such as streaming services and social media, have helped give the film a second life.

Movies that initially fail critically or commercially sometimes become cult classics or are re-evaluated by critics and fans alike. Margot Robbie hopes Babylon will follow this trajectory and become better appreciated for its uniqueness and creative risks.

Babylon in the Context of Margot Robbie’s Career

Margot Robbie’s defense of Babylon highlights her dedication to choosing diverse and challenging roles. Far from playing it safe, Robbie embraces films that take risks, whether in style, narrative, or subject matter.

This openness to artistic challenge is a key part of why Robbie has become one of the most respected actors of her generation. Her willingness to stand by Babylon, despite criticism, speaks to her integrity and commitment to her craft.

Robbie’s new film, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which she stars in alongside Colin Farrell, continues this pattern of taking on unique and thought-provoking projects.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Margot Robbie?

With A Big Bold Beautiful Journey set to release on September 19, 2025, Robbie remains in the spotlight for her varied and dynamic career choices. The film, which explores themes of memory and transformation, sees Robbie and Farrell navigating a romantic fantasy with a mysterious twist.

Robbie’s comments on Babylon also remind audiences that she is an artist who values creativity and bold storytelling above all else. Fans eagerly anticipate what new challenges she will take on next.

Conclusion: A Film Worth Revisiting

While Babylon may not have been a commercial hit or universally praised by critics upon release, Margot Robbie’s steadfast defense suggests it is a film with real artistic merit.

Its vivid depiction of early Hollywood, powerful performances, and daring storytelling make it a movie worth revisiting. As time passes, more viewers may come to appreciate Babylon for its ambition and creative vision.

In standing by Babylon, Margot Robbie invites audiences to look beyond initial impressions and give the film a chance to be understood and valued on its own terms.