Babes” (2024) Movie Review
- Babes” (2024) Movie Review
- Director: Pamela Adlon
- Starring: Ilana Glazer, Michelle Buteau, John Carroll Lynch
- Genre: Comedy
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Rating: R
Plot Summary: “Babes” follows Dawn (Ilana Glazer) and Eden (Michelle Buteau), two friends navigating the messy, confusing, and often hilarious world of pregnancy and early motherhood. Dawn, who has a more grounded approach to life, finds herself thrust into the chaotic reality of pregnancy, while Eden, a carefree spirit, supports her through the ups and downs, all the while dealing with her own comedic life events.
Review Highlights
Performances: Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau shine in their roles, bringing a blend of heartfelt emotion and comedic timing that keeps the film engaging. Their chemistry is natural and their banter feels authentic, making their friendship believable and relatable. John Carroll Lynch also delivers a memorable performance as Eden’s quirky OBGYN, though some of his comedic bits fall flat.
Direction: Pamela Adlon, making her feature film directorial debut, handles the film with a competent and straightforward approach. She allows the humor and performances to take center stage, providing a clean and unfussy visual style. This simplicity works in favor of the comedic elements, ensuring the focus remains on the characters and their interactions.
Screenplay: Written by Ilana Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz, the screenplay explores the less glamorous aspects of pregnancy and motherhood with honesty and humor. The script does not shy away from the grotesque realities of childbirth, offering a refreshing and often humorous take on these experiences. However, some of the dramatic moments do not land as effectively as the comedic ones, making the tone occasionally uneven.
Comedy: The humor in “Babes” is hit or miss. While some sequences, like Eden babysitting Dawn’s child and inadvertently showing him “The Omen,” are hilariously absurd, others, such as the ongoing jokes about male pattern baldness, fall short. The film often mirrors the energy and style of Glazer’s previous work in “Broad City,” which will appeal to fans of that series.
Themes: “Babes” tackles the realities of pregnancy and motherhood in a way that is both enlightening and entertaining. It touches on the anxieties, unexpected challenges, and societal pressures faced by expecting mothers. The film’s honest portrayal of these themes provides a contrast to more idealized cinematic depictions of motherhood, making it both relatable and educational.
Criticism: Some critics argue that the film’s focus on the less appealing aspects of childbirth might deter some viewers. Additionally, the limited theatrical release by Neon, aimed at building word-of-mouth, suggests a cautious approach to its box office potential. The straightforward visual style, while effective, gives the film a somewhat television-like quality, which may not appeal to all viewers .
Conclusion
“Babes” is a funny, heartfelt, and occasionally uneven comedy that offers a refreshingly honest look at pregnancy and motherhood. Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau’s performances are the highlight, supported by Pamela Adlon’s competent direction. While the humor may not always hit the mark, the film’s candid exploration of its themes makes it a worthwhile watch for those interested in a more realistic portrayal of early motherhood.
ence that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences. The film’s blend of legacy elements and fresh storylines makes it a worthwhile addition to the series.
For more detailed reviews, you can check out sources like Netnaija.
