Babes 2024

As the movie unfolds in the vibrant landscape of New York City, we are introduced to the spirited yoga instructor, Eden, portrayed by Ilana Glazer, who is eagerly anticipating her annual Thanksgiving outing to the cinema with her inevitably expectant best friend, Dawn. Their lively pre-film banter is abruptly interrupted by an unexpected twist—Dawn’s water has broken. With a heart full of optimism, Eden steps in to assess the situation, only to find that progress seems painfully slow. They decide, nonetheless, to grab one last meal before heading to the hospital.

As contractions intensify, the pair makes an awkward escape from the restaurant, culminating in a rushed crawl through the hospital lobby, where they are met by Marty, Dawn’s supportive husband, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their baby girl, Melanie. Unfortunately, Eden’s delicate stomach turns when she witnesses an unceremonious incident just prior to the birth.

The following days find Eden on a quest for sushi to share with Dawn, but with a twist—she’s denied entry into the hospital due to not being immediate family. Unfazed, she brings the entire meal on the subway and serendipitously meets Claude, a charming actor played by Stephan James. Sparks fly as they bond over their individual experiences of loss and career struggles, but the budding romance takes a backseat when festivities for New Year’s Eve present themselves. In a haze of shrooms, Dawn drifts into a psychedelic world, while Eden embarks on an introspective journey, sparking thoughts about her potential motherhood after a marathon of 28 pregnancy tests leads to an astonishing conclusion—she might also be expecting.

As Eden prepares for her ultrasound appointment with Dr. Gil, played by John Carroll Lynch, it becomes a shared experience when Dawn steps in to support her friend through the health checks. This deeply significant moment turns serious when Eden learns of Claude’s tragic passing following an almond-related choking incident—a loss that leaves her reeling with grief over the death of a connection that felt so real.

With the confirmation of her pregnancy and her resolve to keep the baby, Eden shifts her focus back to assisting Dawn in navigating the tumultuous journey of motherhood. As days unfold, the challenges of childcare become increasingly complex, especially when Dawn and Marty face a setback after their trusted nanny is lured away by wealthier parents. This leaves them grappling with the regression of their son, Tommy, characteristically played by Caleb Mermelstein-Knox.

Eden’s next prenatal visit presents another layer of complexity, as she must reluctantly reach out to her estranged father, Bernie, portrayed by Oliver Platt, due to Dawn’s work obligations. As the appointment progresses, the anxiety surges as Eden confronts a daunting medical procedure. Following the appointment, a heartfelt discussion between father and daughter unfolds, revealing the emotional impact of his absence during Eden’s upbringing and his newfound commitment to becoming a grandfather.

Simultaneously, Dawn and Marty welcome a new nanny into their home, but their initial excitement sours when Tommy’s dark fascination with The Omen leads to unsettling incidents. In her desperation to manage the chaos, Dawn seeks out a doula, interviewing a multitude of candidates before finally discovering Dragana, played by Elena Ouspenskaia, a nurturing presence for her birthing journey.

Meanwhile, the pressures of motherhood take a toll on Dawn as she struggles to juggle work obligations alongside postpartum depression. Tension escalates when Eden proposes moving into the basement of Dawn and Marty’s home. Dawn staunchly denies this idea, emphasizing her familial priorities. Their heated exchange leads to a rift, complicating their friendship as unexpected plumbing disasters threaten to upend their household stability.

As Eden prepares for labor, immersed in relaxation, she’s suddenly interrupted by a FaceTime call from Dawn bearing exciting news about potential job opportunities. However, her euphoria crumbles when she senses Dawn’s lingering gaze on her pregnant belly. As panic sets in, Eden scrambles to gather herself for the impending birth with Dragana’s assistance. Their reunion is bittersweet, but it culminates in a triumphant moment of reconciliation as they make their way to the hospital, where they joyfully welcome a beautiful baby girl named Claudette.

Fast forward to the next Thanksgiving, and the now-proud mother, Eden, returns to the movie theater with her daughter, immersing them in the cinematic world and introducing Claudette to the legacy of her father. After the film, the two friends, having faced numerous challenges yet remained unified, beamed with warmth in the crisp autumn air. Dawn shares her decision to move back to Astoria, mere blocks away from Eden, promising that despite life’s changes, their connection will remain unbroken, ensuring the love and friendship they share will continue to flourish.