A pleasant if unremarkable New Zealand comedy, Baby Done never tries to mess with the well-worn baby/new parents sub-genre of comedy features but it would be hard to walk away from this gentle and simply effective tale without a smile on your face.
Starring New Zealand comedy star Rose Matafeo (in a role that is likely to gain her significant attention globally) and Neville Longbottom himself Matthew Lewis in one of his best roles yet outside of the Harry Potter franchise he made his name in, Curtis Vowell's quickfire comedic outing wins instant points with its likeable leads taking centre stage as young couple Zoe and Tim whose lives take a 180 degree turn when they find out they're having a baby.
What follows on from this news is fairly stereotypical of such comedies, pregnancy classes, bucket list ideas and stressing out about what life may now look like with a new addition in tow but in a neat twist on the usual this time around Zoe is the one who is more reluctant to accept the new life she is about to enter into while the considered and softly spoken Tim is the one "nesting" at home and willing to embrace what lays ahead of him with parenthood.
This fresh spin on the usual man-child shtick that litters most of these modern parenthood comedies is another win for the film and while you're never really in any doubt about how things will pan out in this tale, witnessing Zoe struggle to give up her dreams and career easily provides amusing life antidotes and funny moments that makes Vowell's film constantly engaging without ever threatening to be an absolute gem.
With so many highly regarded films being born in New Zealand over the last decade (think What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople etc.),Baby Done never feels as instantly quality as some of its beloved counterparts but its universal themes, flawed but enjoyable characters and sense of heart make it another solid addition to the countries growing list of winning products.
Final Say -
Some great chemistry between its two leads and an easy to digest story ensure Baby Done is another fine New Zealand offering and while it may not provide any huge (baby) belly laughs or provide anything new to its familiar plot-line, this is a comedic effort that is sure to please audiences from around the world.
3 parent teacher interviews out of 5.
Plot summary
Zoe and Tim not only work together as arborists in their Auckland-based business, but they are also life partners, marriage however not something to which they ascribe, at least for themselves. Their life is all about adventure which puts front and center their wilder side, and while Zoe often takes that one step further in having a competitive and forthright streak - she a competitive tree climber aspiring to the world championships being held this year in Canada - Tim often shows a more sensitive side in having sympathy crying fits whenever Zoe cries. When Zoe learns that she is pregnant, she is reluctant to tell anyone, most specifically Tim and her best single friend Molly. Beyond fearing losing Molly in believing that parents only tend to hang out with other parents, Zoe, in her rationale, believes that no child is "planned", and thus is somewhat unwanted, something that her own parents deny about her, and that she doesn't want being pregnant to change anything about her life, including what she does - she still planning on going to the competition in Canada for which she qualifies - or how people treat her. Tim and the rest of her social circle finding out about her pregnancy doesn't change her mindset, she going as far as lying when necessary so she'll be able to board the plane to Canada. However, Tim goes to the other extreme, not only in wanting to do whatever to protect Zoe and their unborn child at whatever cost, but to ensure that he is the stereotypical perfect father, as he didn't have a supportive father when he was growing up.
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A pleasant if unremarkable New Zealand comedy
Gentle comedy
When I watched this at first I think I was doing so in the wrong way. I took the female lead's experiences literally and so it just seemed that she was going through a terrible episode of psychological distress/dissociation, risking her life and the baby's while nobody thought to support her. However, reflecting on it, it probably was intended to be a slightly over-the-top comedic metaphor for the genuine fears and angst about the changes happening in your life when you have a child. Despite taking it a bit too seriously, I could relate to a lot of those fears, had a couple of laugh out loud moments and overall found it very sweet!
Must watch. Ignore Negative reviewers
The negative reviews say that "this movie wasn't funny"
I don't think this movie was trying to be hilarious. It was meant to bring light to the fact that unplanned pregnancy can be hard on couples and accepting that a person's entire life is going to suddenly change and how one deals with it or in this case not deals with it has consequences.
Its a movie with emotions and some dark and at time disturbing humour but it worked for the film.
Every man/male/boy should watch this film to perhaps get an understanding of how women may feel during their pregnancy and be more understanding and patient with their partners experiencing the same!