At its core, comedy thrives on highlighting our futile attempts to control our actions, relationships, and bodies and the hilarious truth that these aspects of life are often wild and uncontrollable. The movie "Babes" dives into this humorously chaotic abyss, creating a delightful cocktail of endearing vulnerability, spirited joy, relatable characters, captivating performances, and yes, all forms of bodily functions and fluids that you could possibly imagine.
"Babes" is a thoughtful, warm-hearted exploration of female camaraderie. However, this is not a film that uses men as the punchline. On the contrary, the male characters are portray as supportive, deserving, understanding, and respectful of the brilliant women in their lives. It serves as a refreshing counter-narrative in a genre that often bonds women over male shortcomings.
"Babes" features Dawn (played by Michelle Buteau), a dentist and mother-to-be of her second child, and her best friend Eden (played by Ilana Glazer), a yoga instructor. They share a bond and rhythm of companionship that goes beyond just being there for each other - they are each other's biggest fans. They find joy and comfort in the trivialities of each other's lives, from attending the same film every Thanksgiving to being present for the birth of Dawn's daughter. However, tensions arise when Eden, after a casual fling, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, and Dawn promises to support her as they have always done for each other.
As their lives evolve and complications arise, their friendship goes through the inevitable trials and tribulations that adulthood brings. Dawn is occupied with caring for two young children, work, and dealing with a plumbing disaster at home. Eden grapples with the reality of becoming a single mother with just Dawn as her support. Despite their long-standing bond, misunderstandings and perceived failings start to drive a wedge between them. The movie poignantly showcases the cold, harsh reality - no relationship is ever perfect.
Ultimately, "Babes" acknowledges the messiness of life - the unexpected surprises of pregnancy and motherhood, and the ever-present, looming anxieties. Yet, it beautifully advocates accepting and finding joy in this chaos. After all, as poet W.H. Auden put it, "The funniest mortals and the kindest are those who are most aware of the baffle of being. Don't kid themselves our care is consolable, but believe a laugh is less heartless than tears."
