Babes

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 17, 2024 (United States)

Genre
Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Ilana Glazer as Eden
• Michelle Buteau as Dawn
• John Carroll Lynch as Dr. Morris
• Hasan Minhaj as Marty
• Stephan James as Claude
• Oliver Platt as Bernie
• Kenny Lucas as Benny
• Keith Lucas as Bobby
• Sandra Bernhard as Dr. Shirley

Director
Pamela Adlon

Producer

• Ilana Glazer
• Josh Rabinowitz
• Susie Fox
• Ashley Fox
• Breean Pojunas

Writer
Ilana Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz

Budget
Not publicly disclosed

Box Office Performance
$3.8 million

Production Company

• FilmNation Entertainment
• Range Media Partners
• Starrpix

Distributed By
Neon

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Content Advisory

• Mature humor
• Adult language
• Drug use

Movie Story
“Babes” is a sharp and witty comedy that explores the ups and downs of friendship, pregnancy, and the unpredictability of life. Directed by Pamela Adlon in her feature directorial debut, the film centers around Eden, played by Ilana Glazer, a fiercely independent woman who is content with her single life. Her best friend Dawn, portrayed by Michelle Buteau, is experiencing a different kind of life transition as she unexpectedly goes into labor during their annual Thanksgiving outing. This event marks the beginning of a whirlwind journey for both women, as they navigate the complexities of adulthood, relationships, and impending motherhood.

After Dawn gives birth, Eden tries to support her friend by bringing sushi to the hospital, only to be turned away by the staff. On her way home, she encounters a man named Claude (Stephan James) on the subway, and the two instantly connect over shared experiences of loss and relationship woes. Their soulful night together ends in a passionate encounter, but when Claude suddenly disappears from her life, Eden is left wondering if she’ll ever see him again. A month later, as New Year’s Eve approaches, Eden and Dawn decide to ring in the new year with a wild night of drinking and getting high. During this haze, Eden has a startling vision that she might be pregnant. Her fears are confirmed when a series of pregnancy tests come back positive, setting off a chain of events that will change her life forever.

Determined to find Claude, Eden embarks on a quest to track him down, only to discover that he tragically died the day after Thanksgiving. With this revelation, Eden decides to embrace her pregnancy, realizing that the life growing inside her is all that remains of her brief connection with Claude. As Eden progresses through her pregnancy, she struggles to maintain her independence while also seeking support from her estranged father and her best friend, Dawn. The film delves into the emotional complexities of impending motherhood, the pressures of friendship, and the challenges of balancing a career and personal life. As Dawn grapples with her own struggles, including postpartum depression and the demands of raising a toddler, tensions rise between the two friends, leading to a confrontation that forces them to reevaluate their relationship.

The story culminates in a heartfelt reconciliation as Eden goes into labor, with Dawn by her side. The birth of Eden’s daughter, Claudette, serves as a turning point in both women’s lives, solidifying their bond and paving the way for a new chapter. “Babes” is a hilarious and touching exploration of the unexpected twists and turns of life, and the strength of friendship in the face of life’s biggest challenges. With strong performances from Glazer and Buteau, and a supporting cast that includes John Carroll Lynch, Hasan Minhaj, and Oliver Platt, the film offers a fresh and humorous take on the complexities of modern womanhood.

Special Effects
The film focuses on character-driven humor and realistic portrayals, with minimal use of special effects. The emphasis is on witty dialogue and the chemistry between the cast, particularly in scenes depicting the highs and lows of pregnancy and friendship.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes, life gives you a surprise you didn’t know you needed.” – Eden
• “Being a mom doesn’t mean you stop being you. It just means you add a little more to the mix.” – Dawn

Behind-the-Scenes
“Babes” marks Pamela Adlon’s directorial debut, bringing her unique comedic voice to the big screen. The film was written by Ilana Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz, who also serve as producers. The cast, led by Glazer and Michelle Buteau, spent time together off-set to build the genuine chemistry that shines through in their on-screen friendship. The film was shot on location in New York City, capturing the vibrant energy of the city as a backdrop to the characters’ lives.

Final Verdict
“Babes” is a refreshing and relatable comedy that tackles the challenges of pregnancy, friendship, and life’s unexpected moments with humor and heart. Pamela Adlon’s directorial debut showcases her talent for blending sharp wit with emotional depth, making “Babes” a must-watch for fans of character-driven comedies. With standout performances from Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau, the film is a celebration of female friendship and the resilience of women facing life’s curveballs.

Image Source: Theatrical release poster