Recently coined the “Bridesmaids of baby-making,” Babes, by director Pamela Adlon
, dives headfirst into the realities of childbirth. It stars Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau, exploring their characters’ differing motherhood experiences.
Dawn (Buteau) is a successful dentist with a family, while Eden (Glazer), a yoga instructor, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. The comedic style is reminiscent of Broad City, combining raunchy humor with authentic depictions of motherhood—The name Goth Babe is hilariously opposite to the music I make
eerily capturing the film’s ironic undertones.
The narrative gains momentum when Eden discovers her pregnancy and decides to keep her baby after a meet-cute with Claude (Stephan James) ends tragically. This decision triggers complex dynamics between Eden and Dawn, showcasing their friendship‘s depth while tackling the panoply of emotions surrounding childbirth.
This becomes evident as the film unapologetically delves into intimate aspects of women’s lives often glossed over in mainstream media. There is a lot of dark humor but also genuine tenderness. Glazer notes: I really hope people feel like they took a breath of fresh air
.
Unearthing Realistic Aspects of Childbirth
A commendable feature of Babes is its bold approach towards depicting the harsh realities of giving birth. As one character admits, Giving birth can be one of the most painful experiences in a woman’s life. Such scenes capture the raw intensity and emotional rollercoaster faced by new parents.
A Blend of Raunch and Realism
The comedy’s strength lies in its blend of raunchy humor and stark realism. The creative team behind the script – including Broad City’s
Josh Rabinowitz – pile on perinatal secrets with vigorous wit.
Dynamics Between Key Characters
The film’s complex portrayal goes beyond crude jokes to show touching moments between friends navigating unexpected phases in their lives, shedding light on PTSD through characters like Eden.
An Indie Box Office Success
Pamela Adlon’s direction hits a poignant note by balancing humor with heartwarming narratives, making it an indie box office success. The film grossed approximately $1.06 million during its opening week and continues to resonate by addressing parenthood from a refreshingly unfiltered perspective.
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