Movie Review: ‘Babes’
"Babes," directed by Pamela Adlon, is a comedic take on childbirth and female friendship. Released on May 15, 2024, this film stars Ilana Glazer (Eden) and Michelle Buteau (Dawn) as lifelong friends navigating pregnancy and childbirth. Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz co-wrote the screenplay.
The story begins on Thanksgiving morning, a day traditionally spent at the movies by Eden and Dawn. Dawn, heavily pregnant, goes into labor. Instead of heading to the hospital, she demands a restaurant meal since she won't be allowed to eat once admitted, leading to comedic chaos at a high-end eatery.
The film delves into aspects of childbirth often omitted from cinematic portrayals, particularly the biological realities, emphasizing both its humor and messiness. Dawn's labor experience is a mix of slapstick and sentimentality, supported by her overly patient husband Marty (Hasan Minhaj), while Eden's journey includes a surprise pregnancy following a night with an actor she meets on the subway, played by Stephan James.
"Babes" captures the intensity and complexity of female friendships, particularly how they evolve during life-changing events. It blends humor with emotional depth, making it a unique addition to the childbirth comedy genre. The film, rated R for its content, runs for 109 minutes and received a rating of three out of four stars.