Nicole Kidman has been on an absolute tear lately, headlining everything from the Prime Video thriller Scarpetta to the Apple TV+ comedy-drama Margo's Got Money Troubles, with Practical Magic 2 alongside Sandra Bullock on the horizon. But before all that, she delivered one of the most gloriously unhinged performances of her career in a film that's now a cult curiosity: The Paperboy. And if you haven't seen it yet, you'd better hurry—it's leaving Netflix on May 27, 2026.
Directed by Lee Daniels—the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Precious—The Paperboy is a sweaty, Southern Gothic mystery thriller that feels like a fever dream set in a Florida swamp. The cast alone is jaw-dropping: Kidman, Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, and John Cusack all dive headfirst into a story about a reporter (Efron) investigating a murder case that gets increasingly twisted. Kidman plays Charlotte Bless, a lonely woman who becomes obsessed with a death row inmate, and she goes all in—think jellyfish stings, urine-soaked moments, and a performance that critics called "bonkers" in the best way.
The film didn't exactly set the world on fire when it was released in 2012. It earned a 45% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus calling it "trashy and melodramatic" but "enlivened by a strong cast." It also bombed at the box office, grossing just $3.5 million against a $12 million budget. But over the years, The Paperboy has found a devoted audience who appreciate its unapologetic campiness and Kidman's fearless performance. It's the kind of movie that makes you wonder what Daniels was thinking—and then makes you glad he went for it.
For fans of mystery thrillers that keep you guessing, The Paperboy is a wild ride. If you're looking for something similar, check out our list of 10 Mystery Movies That Keep You Guessing Until the Very End. Or if you're in the mood for more Nicole Kidman, her recent Apple TV+ hit Widow's Bay is a sleeper hit that's perfect for streaming.
As May 27 approaches, make sure to add The Paperboy to your queue. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that you won't forget—and once it leaves Netflix, it might be a while before it surfaces again. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more streaming updates.
