The Wasteland Reviewer

Babes (2024) Written Review

Do you have that one friend who has been your “ride or die” since you were growing up? That is a special kind of relationship especially because it had to evolve as each of you navigated the big shifts in your coming-of-age experience. People also evolve and change over time and a friendship certainly needs to adjust and grow to fit the two new versions of you. That is the type of relationship at the core of Babes. Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau come together as Eden Dawn who have been friends (and family) for years and now confront the reality of pregnancies and motherhood. 

Does Babes capture the same spark that so many of Glazer’s films do? Absolutely. Glazer has one of the best senses of humor in film and television today and this new film continues to capture that so authentically. This comedy certainly brings so many laughs to the table. Many of the laughs work so effectively because of the talented and committed cast but it all starts with the script (which Glazer co-wrote with Josh Rabinowitz). Glazer’s brand of humor is certainly powerful and distinct and Buteau matches it perfectly. Just watching these actors portray best friends is a delight by itself. Throw in more talented performances and so many wild situations, you have yourself quite the laugh-riot experience. There will most certainly be a few moments of visceral cackling because so much of the humor just sneaks right up on you. 

But does Babes capture the emotional depth as well to effectively navigate its themes? This film expertly weaves in themes centered around adult friendships, pregnancy, and motherhood while delivering at least a handful of truly emotional moments. That is quite the feat for a little 100-minute comedy. The way the film shows how a friendship can be challenged and forced to change due to evolving circumstances is quite impressive. Glazer and Buteau give fantastic performances throughout the film, but one dinner scene really captures the depth of this film and the extent of our duo’s acting chops. The way this film shows all the unexpected elements of pregnancy and giving birth is quite impressive. There are so many details that you will never have seen in a film before. The film also captures a moment between Dawn and her husband that is so raw and honest. Parenting is hard and tiring…but it is worth it especially together. Babes can maturely convey this idea in a real and honest way. 

What are the elements of this comedy that makes it all come together? The actors for sure. Glazer and Buteau are so good in this film as they feel so real and honest in their portrayals. Their chemistry together is completely off the charts. You want to be their friend because they are so much fun but also completely committed to supporting each other (even when the narrative must eventually have to present their friendship on the ropes…because of course it does). Stephen James plays a small but essential role in this film, and he also has impressive chemistry with Glazer on screen. Hasan Minhaj portrays Dawn’s husband, and he is a great support for Buteau on screen as their chemistry works quite well too (chemistry just everywhere in this talented cast). John Carol Lynch and Oliver Platt make the most of their limited screen time (Platt more for a limited screen of work) but their great character work is memorable. 

Is Babes another great female fronted comedy to make a splash this year so far? Along with Scrambled, audiences should be confident that we can still get strong quality comedies out in theaters. Babes is an endlessly funny (truly hilarious) experience out at the theater. But the themes and performances are what will make this film stick with you far longer afterwards. More honest and real comedies about life…please and thank you.