The Reel Review
The relationship of two lifelong friends, Dawn, whose married and just had her second child, and Eden, who is single, changes after Eden discovers she is pregnant following a one-night stand. Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau star in this raunchy buddy comedy.
Babes certainly demystifies any romanticized notions of pregnancy, with lots of vulgar body fluid and potty humor. But it’s also ultimately very sweet, as the two friends try to find common ground on this uncharted friendship terrain. Glazer, who co-wrote the screenplay with Broad City collaborator Josh Rabinowitz, and Buteau both exhibit an easy on-screen chemistry that makes the story feel authentic even when the jokes are more corny than funny.
At times the pacing of Babes lags and it has a few boring spots. But one of the cooler aspects of the film is that it lifts up its female characters without diminishing the men – a refreshing change from most female empowerment stories. While Babes falls far short of the riotous humor of Bridesmaids or Knocked Up, it is still a sweet film about enduring friendship.
REEL FACTS
• Ilana Glazer, who identifies as non-binary and queer, had a daughter with husband David Rooklin in 2021.
• Ilana Glazer says they and Michelle Buteau have been real-life friends for about 20 years.
• In addition to acting, Michelle Buteau (Marry Me, Happiest Season, Isn’t It Romantic) is also a stand-up comedian and television and podcast host.
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