You never know when a film will hit a personal cord, it is something that steers you off course with everything transpiring gaining more in its relatability. The idea of children is always a frightening one, not that I have any but the drastic change in lifestyle I would assume is a complete shock to anyone. That being said it’s not like there haven’t been films about pregnancy: What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Away We Go, She’s Having a Baby and Nine Months are just a few. It was what director Curtis Vowell alongside writer Sophie Henderson brought in their film Baby Done and that is the feeling that even though a new life is about to begin that everything prior is ending; the film was made in New Zealand and Executive Produced by Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit).
The film follows the young couple of Zoe and Tim, played by Rose Matafeo and Matthew Lewis, as they find themselves in the midst of a random pregnancy. Between the two of them it is Tim who is more open to the idea and excited after it settles in of course… only after finding out completely at random. It is Zoe who is less thrilled of having a child because to her it signifies the end of everything she’s ever known from her job, friends or lack thereof but most importantly its shutting the door on anything she wants to do in the future. The words of the doctor telling her she’s pregnant echo in her head as a countdown clock to the point where her and Tim write a list of things to do before the baby arrives. The film plays on typical pregnancy dilemmas that we’ve seen in other films as well as the tribulations it takes on their relationship but the real substance resides in both the Zoe and Tim characters. It’s a playful relationship with lots of energy and the chemistry between Matafeo and Lewis jumps off the screen. Their youthful exuberance is contagious but it is Matafeo that takes the lead with her witty, childlike demeanor.
As I said this film doesn’t break the mold but to me it most certainly added another layer because it was a point of view I’ve never watched where my feelings were equally comparable. Zoe’s story arc is a fun ride which is another add on for Matafeo because she gave the character both a levity and seriousness that I don’t think is an easy combination to come by. Baby Done is one of those films that you most likely would have never heard of or sought out but I assure you’ll enjoy this charming story.
Rating:
3 out of 5
Film is available via Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu & Google Movies
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