Babyteeth
Related Titles: Suburban Mayhem, Miss You Already, 50/50
(Contains major spoilers)
This is the first film since post-lock down that has truly reminded me why I love the cinema (aside from Misbehaviour but I had technically already seen that!) Babyteeth is one of those films that I won't forget soon, it has so many themes throughout it and excellent performances from the leads Eliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace. As a directorial debut from Shannon Murphy, this is impressive. I'm sure she will become a big name if this film gets the recognition it deserves. For a small scale indie film, the artistry is top notch. The appearance of the scene or chapter titles was a touch I definitely appreciated.
The film follows teenager Milla (Eliza Scanlen) who in the opening of the film meets the unusual Moses (Toby Wallace.) From the moment Wallace is one screen he is centre of attention. Bursting into the film out of nowhere, his presence fills the screen and brings out a new side to the seemingly quiet Milla. Scanlan is one to watch as well after playing the quiet and shy Beth in last year's "Little Women", Milla is a role that seems worlds apart and she plays it fantastically. As more is revealed about his character, their budding friendship/romance seems to constantly change and be put under fire about whether he truly cares. Towards the end of the film, all these questions are out of the audience's mind because it is clear that despite their rocky relationship, he truly cares. There are so many different themes that come into their friendship, with the age difference playing a key role for Milla's parents, drug use from both Moses and Milla's mother (Anna) and the fact that Milla is battling cancer and constantly seems to improve and be damaged in turn from the unusual friendship with Moses.
This film packs a punch. The last ten-ish minutes will hit you like a tonne of bricks so don't forget to bring your tissues. The final exchange between Milla and her father at the beach is a particularly poignant moment as throughout the film, it subtlety shows that Milla has a closer bond with her father. The final exchange between Anna and Moses after the death of Milla in her sleep is another devastating scene. Essie Davis playing Anna violently shakes in Moses' arms and it was a scene of silence and stillness in the cinema around us.
The title had me confused at first but the mention of Milla's baby tooth and the eventual lose of it before her death was a nice moment of symbolism that tied the film and the title together with ease. My final shout out goes to the soundtrack which was full of great songs that nicely pieced the scenes together. I truly enjoyed this film and it was a great reminder of just how fantastic the cinema can be.
I was truly breath-taken by Babyteeth, right from the beginning it comes in with a string version of Golden Brown by The Strangers, a track that reminds me of my childhood as my mum used to play it all the time. Set in Australia we follow Milla, a sixteen year old who you eventually find out has cancer. Straight away, Moses is introduced to Milla at the train station. He is in his early twenties and is a visible drug addict, nevertheless very personable and charming. Milla is besotted by Moses, who you only assume uses her to get money for drugs. Their friendship is the focus of the film alongside Milla's parents, Anna and Henry. Henry is a psychiatrist and Anna is battling her own demons. Henry prescribes her drugs for anxiety, and for me it's so crazy to see societies perceptions on drugs and that's highlighted in this film. Moses is outcasted from his family assumably because of his drug addiction, and people around him definitely look down upon him, yet at the start Anna is dependent on drugs. Yes different drugs but still viewed in completely different lights.
Milla slowly deteriorates as the film goes on, and it seems that Moses is the person that gives her true joy. The relationship between Milla and her parents is tested, and you can see they try their best to hold it together, however this doesn't always happen. The performances from Eliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace playing Milla and Moses were phenomenal. I was completely attached to them, I felt every emotion they portrayed. As the audience you feel like you're a spectator in their lives, the way the scenes pan out it's really true to life and that's why you get attached to the characters. The chemistry between the two characters was undeniable and when things go south you can feel the pain that Milla goes through.
I was particularly drawn to the relationship between mother and daughter, Milla and Anna through music. Milla played the violin and Anna played the piano. They used to play together but when Milla got sick, Anna refused to play. It also symbolised the disconnect in their relationship. At the end of the movie when it's Milla's birthday party, they end up playing a beautiful piece of music together. It was such a moving piece of music and you could feel the emotion with every note, the pain of the situation but also the deep routed love for one another.
The ending was heartbreaking and I did sob for about 10 minutes straight.... Films like Babyteeth are the reason I love cinema. A story that will leave a lasting effect on me. A story that is impactful, sad and beautiful at the same. I can agree that this style of storytelling isn't everyones cup of tea, yet some people may not even understand the relevance, but I really really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
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