Wonder Watchlist

Coming to theaters May 17th is Babes, the newest release from NEON directed by Pamela Adlon. Centering around the relationship between two best friends as one becomes pregnant from a one-night stand. Babes was filmed in an incredibly small window of 25 days, adding to the chaos on screen. Babes is not only a terrifically hilarious female lead comedy film, but also one of the most beautiful examples of female companionship. Adlon skillfully reminds audiences that motherhood is tough, but growing life within you is badass. Where the film shines in its crude humor and raw depiction of pregnancy, it stumbles in its conflict.

Thank U, Mom

Babes stars Ilana Glazer as at home yoga instructor Eden and Michelle Buteau as a dentist and mother of two, Dawn. Eden and Dawn share an incredibly close bond, having been friends since a young age. Glazer and Buteau deliver exceptional performances, portraying women who are similar in age, yet at different life stages. Eden embodies a carefree and eccentric nature, while Dawn exudes focus and determination. The film skillfully portrays the significance of female friendships, highlighting the value of having someone to relate to and unwind with. It emphasizes the importance of having a friend who listens and offers candid advice. Babes offers a beautiful portrayal of how a strong female bond has the power to heal even the deepest of wounds.

“It was really important for us to have something so funny, but to balance it with heart and emotional heft, those were our guideposts.” – Glazer, CNN.

Both Glazer and Butaeu show how complicated motherhood can be. And although bringing new life into the world is beautiful it can also really suck. Babes is one of the most raw looks into pregnancy I’ve seen in a film. Each trimester of pregnancy has its moment in this film and it’s equally beautiful and traumatic. Babes will give you an entirely new kind of appreciation for your mother. Wincing as you watch Eden at one of her numerous doctors appointments. Dawn is a woman who is incredibly hardworking, and admits to having it all. A beautiful family, successful career, but can’t pinpoint why she feels so miserable. It’s one of the first times the friendship between Eden and Dawn seemed totally real. Both women show that although being a mother is one of lifes greatest gifts, it’s not easy.

Man, I Feel Like A Woman..

Weaving comedy into the film was a stroke of genius that makes the subject matter digestible. Especially when Eden has to face tough decisions as many women do. Writers Ilana Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz don’t shy away from how difficult it is to be newly pregnant and single. The comedy doesn’t feel forced into situations, and being a woman myself I found it all too relatable. Babes is refreshing in its writing, showing that pregnancy isn’t the end of a woman’s life, especially with Eden. It gives an authentic portrayal of womanhood at different stages of life. Glazer and Rabinowitz make it a point that being a mother isn’t the only interesting thing about these women. They have dreams, hobbies, and needs of their own outside of their families. Babes has women being open and honest about their bodies without lecturing their verbiage.

Where the film suffers in writing is the conflict between Eden and Dawn and the birthing scene. The film up until the rift is relatively free of friction between them. It seems out of the blue for Dawn to want separation from her friend. Up until this point the film doesn’t show any issues between them that would cause for a dramatic shift. The dialogue given to Dawn in this scene is unlike her character, and the resolution leaves some to be desired. When it comes to the birthing scene, although the film offers an honest portrayal of pregnancy, the depiction of Eden’s birth feels rushed and fails to capture the anticipated emotions of chaos and intensity.

Overall Babes is a captivating portrayal of the enduring significance of female friendship in the lives of women across different stages of life. Adlon presents audiences with a refreshing film that seamlessly blends humor and heart. The film illustrates the experiences of pregnancy and the profound impact it has on women. Glazer and Buteau deliver captivating performances that effortlessly intertwine gut-busting humor with touching moments. Babes offers a touching exploration of the complicated lives of mothers as they navigate the complexities of balancing motherhood while preserving their individuality. It provides a refreshing and candid perspective on women’s experiences as they strive to be good mothers while embracing their unique identities. Importantly, Babes empowers women to openly discuss and celebrate their bodies, a conversation that is often policed. While the film’s conclusion may not entirely meet expectations, the overall journey is entertaining and endearing, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Release and Rating

Babes is set to hit theaters in the United States on May 17th, distributed by NEON.

Synopsis: Pregnant from a one-night-stand, Eden leans on her best friend and mother of two, Dawn, to guide her through gestation and beyond.