Writer-director Lauren Miller Rogen’s new comedy, Babies, follows a Los Angeles couple, Aaron and Annie, played by Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick, as they grapple with the decision of whether to have children. The film delves into the societal pressures and often intrusive questions that come with considering parenthood. Annie, in particular, is shown frequently weighing the pros and cons of starting a family, while the couple’s relationship is tested when Eliza (played by Issa Rae) temporarily moves in with them and brings her young daughter, Eve. This situation prompts Annie to reflect on how having a child in the house might influence her and Aaron’s decision.
The film features a variety of supporting characters, including David Strathairn as Annie’s father, who is dealing with his wife’s dementia, and Ed Helms as a slick, self-serving investor. There are also brief appearances from Sharon Stone and Ashley Park. While some critics have praised the film for its warm, slightly disheveled charm in certain moments, others feel it sometimes falls into predictable, formulaic storytelling. However, the movie is noted for its more nuanced and richly observed scenes, particularly those in which Annie reflects on the changes in her life and how her friends’ evolving priorities influence her own.
One standout moment occurs at a baby shower, where Annie reaches her breaking point with the smug, clichéd remarks often associated with new mothers. This scene is described as satisfying for those who have felt alienated for not wanting children, while still respecting those who do. Anna Kendrick’s performance is highlighted for its emotional depth, reflecting her own public views on not wanting to have children. Seth Rogen, meanwhile, stays true to his usual comedic style, while Issa Rae is praised for her humor but noted as being somewhat underutilized in the film’s more dramatic sequences.
Babies will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and is scheduled for a 2027 release.
New Film Explores Modern Dilemmas Around Parenthood and Personal Choice
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