‘Baby Done’ – Review
If there’s one thing that 2020 has proved it’s that we need comedy more than ever before. And offering audiences plenty of delight is Curtis Vowell and Sophie Henderson’s Baby Done, which examines the rushed onset of parenthood and how sometimes the biggest changes in our lives can ultimately be the most rewarding.
Wannabe-adventurer Zoe (Rose Matafeo) freaks out when she falls pregnant to her long-term boyfriend Tim (Matthew Lewis). As Tim embraces the prospect of fatherhood, Zoe attempts to rush through her dreams.
Written and directed by a very talented couple in the form of director Curtis Vowell and screenwriter Sophie Henderson, Baby Done is a quirky, funny and completely charming Kiwi comedy that looks at the highlights of modern parenthood with plenty of hilarious outbursts. In Baby Done, we meet modern young couple Zoe (Rose Matafeo) and Tim (Matthew Lewis) who soon learn that a baby is on the way and that they have to get their priorities in order fast. Vowell directs the film with a solid ‘slice of life’ focus and Henderson’s screenplay is packed full of distinct whimsy that tells a very meaningful story, along with giving audiences some genuine and unexpected laughs.
Stepping into our lead characters in Baby Done are Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo and British hunk Matthew Lewis and both actors shine bright in this very funny story. Matafeo’s Zoe is a very independent and forceful young woman who has given little thought to any concept of marriage or family life and is determined to live her best life….which becomes a bit of a problem when she suddenly finds herself pregnant. Tim on the other hand is just your normal everyday bloke and is excited by the concept of finally being a dad and getting to give his kid the childhood he never had. This clash of completely opposite character motivations gives Baby Done its spark and energy, along with producing some great comedic moments.
As a couple, Matafeo and Lewis have wonderful chemistry together and this is what makes the narrative of Baby Done so charming. It’s such a delight to see these two characters together and while they may be completely opposite from one another in terms of personality, you whole-heartedly just love watching these two characters and want to see them together as a family. Matafeo shines particularly bright as Zoe in Baby Done and this film is a terrific way for her to show off a great range as a performer. While she does let her wild side free, there’s also plenty of heavy drama as she has to contend with the big life moment that is motherhood. Her performance is natural and authentic, and her shared chemistry with Lewis produces a very special character relationship.
Baby Done also delivers big on the comedy, and there’s plenty of creativity on behalf of the filmmakers in the final product. Driven by Zoe’s desire to ‘live her best life’ before the baby arrives, Vowell and Henderson deliver some amazing comedy spots from everything involving competitive tree-climbing to the world’s most awkward threesome and a very blunt and almost over-the-top antenatal class instructor that is sure to leave you howling. Supporting performers such as the amazing Rachel House and Emily Barclay deliver the cherry on top with their spot-on comedic timing and those wanting a laugh will be in for a treat with this one.
It’s been a very up and down year and we could all use a bit of light-hearted fun and Baby Done sure delivers it. It’s this perfect little Kiwi movie that is sure to make your heart flutter with its wild, outrageous but ultimately joyful exploration of just how meaningful parenthood can really be.
Images: MadMan Films
