Review: Babyteeth and Promising Young Woman

A Double Feature Review!

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Babyteeth

Babyteeth is a powerful little film about life and death. A messy, yet rewarding, coming-of-age film strongly acted by Eliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace. Wonderfully written and creatively directed, Babyteeth knows how to sink its teeth into the essence of humanity. Babyteeth is an Australian coming-of-age dramedy that packs in an emotional punch on the audience — examining areas of death and mortality. Director Shannon Murphy's debut feature film is an incredibly poignant picture, inviting one to enjoy the little moments while they last. Our story follows Milla (a strong Scanlen), a 16-year-old girl who falls in love with a 23-year-old drug dealer named Moses (a cunning Wallace), right before finding our her cancer has come back.

Milla comes from a wealthy family, and her parents (Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn) don't approve of Moses or his background. Murphy both examines Milla's relationship with her parents, Moses' relationship with his estranged mother, and how they cross over with each other. Family is messy, and Murphy excels at showing us these chaotic relationships throughout the film. Babyteeth dodges all of the clichés that weigh down coming-of-age pictures, instead focusing on our two shining leads, Scanlen and Wallace. Their chemistry blends well together as we feel the emotional weight of the ending result slowly sneak up on us. Through high energy, powerful acting, and heavy material, Babyteeth is a beautiful picture that blossoms before our very eyes.  

Babyteeth was winner of 9 AACTA Awards, including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Lead Actor (Wallace), and Best Lead Actress (Scanlen).

Babyteeth is rated MA-17 | Now Streaming on Hulu

Directed by Shannon Murphy

Starring Eliza Scanlen, Toby Wallace, Essie Davis, Ben Mendelsohn, and Emily Barclay.

Promising Young Woman - My 400th Review!

Emerald Fennell's Promising Young Woman is a thrilling pitch of black humor, with a dash of revenge. Powerfully acted by Carey Mulligan, who gives a tour de force to the role of Cassie. Fennell's directorial debut will have you hooked from the first frame, shattering your psyche by the end. Through its killer soundtrack, unapologetic storytelling, and timely themes, this is a movie every man should watch. Promising Young Woman takes the term 'nice guys' and kicks it to the curb. Promising Young Woman is a film that has been on my brain ever since the final frame dropped. It's a movie that sticks with you, haunting you to your core. Fennell's debut feature film is a knockout, fueled with a strong cast, eye-candy production design, and a chilling score. From the moment your ears hear composer Anthony Willis' string quartet eerily playing the song "Toxic", you'll have chills down your spine.

Dripping with tension, Willis' score keeps our audience focused and on edge. Mulligan is a force to be reckoned with in this picture, as we follow her story all the way until the end. I really don't want to give too much away, so I'll only share this: the film follows Cassie, a young woman who was traumatized by a tragic event in her past, lives a double life where she seeks out vengeance on those who have crossed her path. Promising Young Woman is a movie that tackles rape culture during this 'Me Too' era, examined with deep perspective and thought-provoking themes. Accompanying Mulligan are actors Bo Burnham and Laverne Cox — plus we get appearances by actors Adam Brody, Sam Richardson, Alison Brie, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Connie Britton, Max Greenfield, and Chris Lowell. A fresh and totally wild film, Fennell's thrilling picture will have you gobsmacked by the end. Plus, Mulligan and Burnham delivered one of the funniest, most cheerful scenes of all 2020 — from the inside of a pharmacy. Promising Young Woman is an undeniable thriller and a film that I hope continues to succeed during this awards season. Don't miss out on Fennell's fascinating film because, in the end, you won't know what hit you. 

Promising Young Woman has 3 Film Independent Spirit Award noms, 4 Golden Globe noms, 9 Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) noms, 6 Critic Choice Award noms, and was included in the National Board of Review's (NBR) Top 10 Films of 2020, winning Best Actress (Mulligan).

Promising Young Woman is rated R (Restricted) For strong violence including sexual assault | language throughout | some sexual material and drug use.

Directed by Emerald Fennell

Starring Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Laverne Cox, Adam Brody, Sam Richardson, Alison Brie, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Connie Britton, Max Greenfield, and Chris Lowell.