Baby Done

Baby Done is a 2020 New Zealand comedy film, with lead performances by Rose Matafeo, Matthew Lewis, and Emily Barclay. This movie is a quirky, hilarious take on a young couple's journey through pregnancy and the trials of impending parenthood. It strikes a healthy balance between humor, romance, and drama while delivering a meaningful narrative that many can relate to.

Kenneth Branagh-award winner, Rose Matafeo, leads the film as Zoe, an adventurous tree surgeon. She’s the protagonist of this story, a woman who’s effervescent, tenacious, and full-heartedly independent. Zoe isn't ready to step into the world of motherhood, a world she fears would restrict her from accomplishing her lifelong dreams - ticking her adventurous bucket list, which includes attending a world tree-climbing championship.

Matthew Lewis, best known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter series, plays the role of Tim, her long-term boyfriend, who is a nurturing soul and excited about the prospect of becoming a father. Tim is willing to take this exciting new step, even if it means putting his own desires on hold. This sets the stage for the central conflict of Baby Done – Zoe's unpreparedness for parenthood set against Tim's eager anticipation.

The incredible chemistry between Rose Matafeo and Matthew Lewis offers an authentic portrayal of their relationship, painting a real and relatable image of a couple navigating life’s surprises while trying to maintain their individual identities.

Meanwhile, Emily Barclay plays the role of Molly, a caustic and quirky friend whose intrusive yet hilariously candid comments contribute a great deal to the film's comedic narrative.

As Zoe and Tim grapple with their contrasting feelings about parenthood, an unplanned pregnancy forces them to confront their fears and expectations. This surprise serves as the stepping-stone of a tumultuous journey filled with humor, tears, friendships, family, and the acceptance of life's beautiful, unplanned twists.

The script, penned by Sophie Henderson, is witty and thoughtful, exploring societal pressures around parenthood along with the personal dilemmas of freedom and responsibility. On a broader level, the film acknowledges the fears of losing individual identity and freedom as one transitions to parenthood.

Curtis Vowell directs this film with a keen eye for specific character moments that drive the narrative with perfect balance, never allowing it to head into clichéd territories. Under his direction, the movie avoids becoming an over-dramatised depiction of parenthood but instead, leans more into the realm of relatable storytelling with a genuine feel.

Despite the hilarity that is filled to the brim, the film doesn't shy away from taking a deeper dive into the characters' emotional struggles. The film balances humor and heartfelt sentimentality, maintaining a breezy narrative pace while never really losing sight of the emotional depth of its characters, making it a heartfelt watch.

Ultimately, Baby Done is a feel-good dramedy, an uncomplicated but heartfelt ride that leverages both humor and pathos without overstepping into the territory of melodrama or triviality. It's refreshing, entertaining, engaging, and, at times, poignant—a delightful tale of coming to terms with unanticipated life events, acknowledging fears, and embracing change with a healthy dose of humor and a touch of romance.

In conclusion, Baby Done is more than just another comedy about an unexpected pregnancy. It's an insightful and outright funny exploration into the various stages of impending parenthood - the joy, the fear, the denial, and the acceptance. The tangible chemistry of the lead actors, combined with a thoroughly entertaining script and clever direction, makes this film a compelling watch. It stands as a sweet, funny, and emotionally engaging film that asserts the beauty found in life’s unpredicted paths.