Audiences are calling Babes the funniest movie of the year so far, and now that I’ve seen it for myself, I’m gonna have to agree. I wasn’t surprised by how often the movie made me laugh, but I was very surprised at how endearing and honest the whole thing felt in the midst of delivering those laughs.
My wife and I are expecting our first child in about a month, so watching Ilana Glazer’s character go through the exciting yet exhausting process of preparing for a baby felt so true to life. Glazer, who also penned the script, based a lot of this movie on her own experiences during pregnancy, which plays greatly into how authentic it feels. Yes, there’s plenty of exaggerated outlandishness, but the humour rarely detracts from how truthful the story feels.
The plot revolves around her navigating an unplanned pregnancy, but it also reflects on how friendships change as we get older and start our own families. Glazer is hilarious and relatable as a 30 something who doesn’t quite have her life together. She’s able to capture a lot of the millennial experience, and how we’re all just out here doing the best we can.
Glazer’s chemistry with Michelle Buteau is fantastic. It really does seem like two childhood best friends who’ve been leaning on each other their entire lives. They aren’t afraid to call each other out, but the two of them are basically family, and will always be there to support one another through whatever life throws their way. I also have to mention John Carroll Lynch, who plays Glazer’s OBGYN. It’s a small role but the running joke with his character is absolutely hilarious.
Babes is equal parts funny and honest in its depiction of the millennial experience, and becoming a first time parent. Pamela Adlon’s feature debut is a must see, brought to life through Glazer’s sharp, surprisingly relatable script.
4/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett