Film Review: Babyteeth Takes A Bite Out of Young, Tragic Love
Watching Babyteeth, I got sentimental. The IFC release feels like the more rebellious Fault In Our Stars. Similar to Angelfish, it innovates an old storyline; in this case the plot where the “sickgirl” falls in love and everyone around her worries and mourns her while she is still alive. The difference lies in director Shannon Murphy and writer Rita Kalnejais’ desire to show that sickness isn’t death; you are still living even if you are dying, and Milla wants to LIVE!
Eliza Scanlen’ Milla is a quiet girl ready to go wild. She is the good kid that is starting to question what “good” means and whether is it truly useful when it signifies denying opportunities for love and self-exploration. Scanlen’s performance is like watching a flower begin to blossom; she gives Milla wicked curiosity, which, naturally, her parents’ worry that she is pushing her heart and health to breaking points, but the magic of Scanlen’s performance is that she reminds viewers of how layered a person can be. In essence, you are not your sickness; you can be your own joy and adventure.
Babyteeth – Official Trailer I HD I IFC Films
Viewers will watch with big, warm eyes as Milla pushes her own boundaries with an IDGAF attitude and conquers the heart of Moses. Toby Wallace is perfect in this role; he is both heartwarming and heartbreaking because we all have met his character or, at least, I have. He is the “lost boy,” whom is not bad, but is a mischievous and wounded kid that feels addicted to self-sabotage. Ben Mendelsohn as Henry and Essie Davis as Anna, Milla’s parents, are a ripe mix of worry, charm, patience, and surprising receptiveness. Their performance appear like open wounds making you want to hold them as they struggle not to hold Milla back.
Henry and Anna want their child to feel better, but wonder if Moses is a literal threat to her life; he parties hard, gets high, and has been kicked out of his home, which might be the things Milla most loves about him. They both feel like drifters; only finding stability in each other. Moses’ ability to destroy himself feels quelled by Milla’s ability to live; two people that understand they are finite, but are figuring out, through each other, how to strengthen themselves in that truth. UGH! THE ROMANCE!
Babyteeth – Film clip 1
Naturally, viewers will pour into Babyteeth’s love story, which feels real, raw, and relevant; they are just kids, in crazy circumstances, that want to feel invincible.At nearly two hours, the film is stunning. It immerses in its love story thanks to Scanlen and Wallace’s performances, and the strange quietness that willows throughout the film. Even its use of soundtrack feels like an added texture; leaving the silent love brewing in between are star-crossed Moses and Milla’s glares to fill the room with noise. IFC’s Babyteeth comes out on VOD June 19.
