Babyteeth - Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film

November 22, 2020 at 3:24 pm

Australian films seem to be able to get away with stories that are quirky, edgy, moving, and sentimental with much more success than American films. In many American films, that kind of combination usually ends up being predictable and cloying, but BABYTEETH is a fine example of the story of a dying young woman who falls in love with a drug dealer, much to her over-protective and teetering-on-the-edge parents regret. Somehow, director Shannon Murphy walks that fine line of reality and whacked-out fantasy to make it all work.

Sixteen-year-old Milla is pretty much like most kids her age except for the fact that she’s dying of terminal cancer. Her parents are doing their best, but with an emotionally-disconnecting father, and a self-medicating mother, they could probably be doing better as they waffle from hovering protectively over Milla, or suddenly getting caught up in their own personal dramas. Enter Moses, a drug-dealer in his early twenties, who bumps into Milla on the train platform as she’s headed to school. Moses has targeted Milla in a scam to make a few bucks, but their encounter turns into something more nuanced, at least for Milla, and their relationship begins. Milla falls in love with Moses, and while he reciprocates as best he can given his profession and his lack of a home, Milla’s parents unsurprisingly do not approve, believing Moses to be principally after the various prescription drugs within the household. They struggle though, because Moses’ presence clearly gives Milla some joy and is that too much to allow as she grows weaker by the day?

There are ups and downs in Milla and Moses’ relationship, and there are backstories and supporting characters in Milla’s parent’s lives as well. It’s all heading for the inevitable conclusion, but first-time director Murphy, and writer Rita Kalnejais (adapting from her own play) keep things focused and real, balancing the sorrow, the love, and the mania with a deft touch. Major props to the cast for keeping things both believable and entertaining. Eliza Scanlen (LITTLE WOMEN, ‘Sharp Objects’) strikes a perfect balance as Milla. Fragile, beleaguered, sarcastic, resigned — she’s the perfect blend of sharp edges and fiery optimism whose light is slowly fading. Essie Davis — so good in THE BABADOOK — has a pretty tough job as Milla’s Mom — self-medicated to the point of delirium, yet focused on keeping her daughter alive and happy as long as she can. Toby Wallace is excellent too, in the challenging role of Moses. Drifting drug dealer, estranged from his family, and balancing a relationship that starts out as opportunistic and evolves into something else is no simple matter. Wallace is believable and sympathetic in bringing Moses to life. 4 cats

3 reviews on “Babyteeth”

Michael Colford
November 22, 2020 at 3:24 pm

Australian films seem to be able to get away with stories that are quirky, edgy, moving, and sentimental with much more success than American films. In many American films, that kind of combination usually ends up being predictable and cloying, but BABYTEETH is a fine example of the story of a dying young woman who falls in love with a drug dealer, much to her over-protective and teetering-on-the-edge parents regret. Somehow, director Shannon Murphy walks that fine line of reality and whacked-out fantasy to make it all work.

Sixteen-year-old Milla is pretty much like most kids her age except for the fact that she’s dying of terminal cancer. Her parents are doing their best, but with an emotionally-disconnecting father, and a self-medicating mother, they could probably be doing better as they waffle from hovering protectively over Milla, or suddenly getting caught up in their own personal dramas. Enter Moses, a drug-dealer in his early twenties, who bumps into Milla on the train platform as she’s headed to school. Moses has targeted Milla in a scam to make a few bucks, but their encounter turns into something more nuanced, at least for Milla, and their relationship begins. Milla falls in love with Moses, and while he reciprocates as best he can given his profession and his lack of a home, Milla’s parents unsurprisingly do not approve, believing Moses to be principally after the various prescription drugs within the household. They struggle though, because Moses’ presence clearly gives Milla some joy and is that too much to allow as she grows weaker by the day?

There are ups and downs in Milla and Moses’ relationship, and there are backstories and supporting characters in Milla’s parent’s lives as well. It’s all heading for the inevitable conclusion, but first-time director Murphy, and writer Rita Kalnejais (adapting from her own play) keep things focused and real, balancing the sorrow, the love, and the mania with a deft touch. Major props to the cast for keeping things both believable and entertaining. Eliza Scanlen (LITTLE WOMEN, ‘Sharp Objects’) strikes a perfect balance as Milla. Fragile, beleaguered, sarcastic, resigned — she’s the perfect blend of sharp edges and fiery optimism whose light is slowly fading. Essie Davis — so good in THE BABADOOK — has a pretty tough job as Milla’s Mom — self-medicated to the point of delirium, yet focused on keeping her daughter alive and happy as long as she can. Toby Wallace is excellent too, in the challenging role of Moses. Drifting drug dealer, estranged from his family, and balancing a relationship that starts out as opportunistic and evolves into something else is no simple matter. Wallace is believable and sympathetic in bringing Moses to life. 4 cats
- Kate Pike
  November 23, 2020 at 1:39 am
  
  I just finished watching this film. What I especially liked is that the story is played out in short vignettes, each like snapshots — which is the way that our memory records events in our lives. We do not remember every moment of a particular hour, or day, or week in our lives (unless we are savants), we do not recall every word spoken, every tender gesture — much as we may wish to do in such circumstances as Milla’s. Our memory is a spotlight illuminating our past in brief flashes: a certain just-between-us joke: the harshest words in an argument; the shrill and loopy effects of being high; the sweetness of the first kiss, the sorrow of the last embrace; the long quiet in the room when a loved one has passed.
  
  Kudos to the director, Shannon Murphy, and to all the actors in this quietly beautiful film.
  - Michael Colford
    November 23, 2020 at 1:55 am
    
    I love that, Kate, and I hadn’t noticed that. But now that you mention it, it makes perfect sense. Very thoughtful.

3 reviews on “Babyteeth”

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