Following Whiplash, La La Land, and First Man, Damien ChazelleThrows himself into a bold historical epic with Babylon. The film explores the birth of Hollywood and the rise of talking pictures in the 1920s. Released in theaters in January 2023, this over three-hour saga stars Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva. Fans will be able to stream it on Paramount+ starting January 18, 2026.
The film is set in Los Angeles during a tumultuous time for the film industry, which is undergoing a radical transformation. In a world teetering on the edge, Babylon traces the rise and fall of multiple characters caught up in an industry still finding its footing—marked by excess, decadence, and boundless ambition. The story blends fictional characters with real-life inspirations to paint a portrait of a Hollywood in the making—both mesmerizing and ultimately destructive.
The project's ambitious scope is reflected in its large ensemble cast. Led by Diego Calva, making his international debut, the film features a lineup of stars portraying icons—or fictional doubles—of Hollywood's golden age in the 1920s and 1930s. Among them are Brad Pitt (Bullet Train, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Ad Astra), Margot Robbie (Barbie, The Suicide Squad, The Wolf of Wall Street), and Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man, The Great Gatsby).
After more than fifteen years of research, Damien Chazelle’s Babylon takes an in-depth look at a swiftly changing industry. From the silent film era to the rise of new moral and aesthetic standards brought about by sound, the film examines both the promise of America’s dream and the human toll of that ambition. Set against a Los Angeles undergoing a dramatic transformation—from desert to metropolis in just ten years—it captures a city on the cusp of change.
Visually, the director chooses to shoot in 35mm anamorphic film to capture the epic scope of the city and its landscapes. The elaborate sets, costumes—over 7,000 in total—and Justin Hurwitz's evocative score all contribute to creating a richly textured sensory world, which has been recognized and celebrated with multiple awards and nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes.
Our take on Babylon:
Opening with a sprawling, decadent party reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, Damien Chazelle introduces all his characters and central themes: viewers are immediately immersed in the glamour of 1920s Hollywood, its first golden age, where stars are worshipped like gods and alcohol and drugs flow freely. It’s pure lust in all its glory, and those not part of this world often go to great lengths to get a taste, even if it means degrading themselves. This scene also provides filmmaker Damien Chazelle the perfect platform to showcase his undeniable talent: a master of camera virtuosity, with a keen sense of rhythm and an exceptional mastery of long takes. After this opening fiesta, it’s clear — Babylon is a major masterpiece, and the following three hours continually affirm that impression.
Chazelle’s aim with this film is to celebrate the magic of cinema, all forms of it. Yet, the portrait is sharply critical, exposing the darker side of Hollywood — a place where stars are made and broken in an instant, and even the noblest ideals can be corrupted. Hollywood is depicted as a mafia-like empire, utterly transformed by the advent of sound in film. Faced with the need to become more respectable, both stars and movies are polished and sanitized to appeal to the masses, at the expense of their once-magic allure. One could interpret this as a critique or regret for a bygone era, but the film’s form says otherwise. Babylon isn’t just a nostalgic ode to a lost golden age — it’s a love letter to cinema itself, which Chazelle regards as the ultimate sanctuary.
Once again, Chazelle delivers a genuine masterpiece, a monumental film exploring numerous themes, all brought to life by a cast of performers at their absolute best. It’s breathtaking from start to finish, and despite its three-hour length, we wish the spectacle would never end.
Babylon
Film | 2023
In theaters starting January 18, 2023
Available on Paramount+ from January 18, 2026
Drama, Historical | Runtime: 3h09
Directed by Damien Chazelle | Starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva
Country: United States
A monumental and polarizing film upon its release, Babylon stands as a rich exploration of the birth of an art form and an industry, balancing moments of celebration with disillusionment. Its debut on Paramount+ offers a fresh opportunity to rediscover—or first experience—this sprawling depiction of Hollywood’s darker side.
To go even further, check out our curated list of January's new releases on Paramount+, our guide to the latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top pick in what to watch today in streaming.
