What Is Babyteeth About?
The premise of Babyteeth in 281 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sun‑dappled suburb of contemporary Australia, a sixteen‑year‑old named Milla grapples with the stark reality of a recent cancer diagnosis. While the ordinary rhythms of school and family life continue around her, the weight of her condition makes every moment feel both fragile and fiercely lived. Into this delicate balance arrives a charismatic young man, whose confidence and spontaneity spark an unexpected connection that suddenly feels like a lifeline, offering Milla a taste of freedom and a reminder that joy can linger even in the shadow of uncertainty.
Her parents, Anna and Henry, each bring their own strengths and anxieties to the unfolding situation. Anna, a passionate musician, views the world through a lens of creativity and empathy, while Henry, a thoughtful psychiatrist, approaches life with a measured, analytical calm. Together they confront the unsettling prospect of their daughter’s burgeoning romance with someone considerably older, wrestling with protective instincts and the fear of losing control. Their differing perspectives create a quiet tension that underscores the film’s intimate exploration of love, responsibility, and the uneasy balance between safeguarding and allowing growth.
The tone of the story is tender yet urgent, painted with vibrant cinematography that mirrors Milla’s spirited outlook. Her infectious energy ripples outward, prompting friends, family, and even strangers to reassess how they inhabit the present. The narrative invites viewers into a world where ordinary moments become profound, and where the characters learn, in their own time, to embrace the fleeting beauty that emerges from unexpected circumstances. The film gently asks what it means to truly live when time feels both precious and limited, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of hope and a quiet invitation to cherish the now.
What Happens in Babyteeth?
The complete story of Babyteeth, from the first scene to the last, in 429 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Milla Finlay, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, faces the harsh reality of her recent cancer diagnosis. One fateful day, while waiting for her train, she encounters Moses (Arka Das), a 23-year-old who quite audaciously asks her for money. Captivated by him, Milla introduces him to her parents—Anna (Essie Davis), a passionate musician, and Henry (Ben Mendelsohn), a dedicated psychiatrist. Despite their discomfort with the significant age gap, they reluctantly allow the relationship to flourish due to Milla’s fragile health condition.
One night, Anna’s instincts lead her to discover an alarming scene: Moses attempting to pilfer prescription drugs from their home. When awakened, Milla and Henry contemplate calling the police, but Milla’s heartfelt plea for compassion sways Anna, who acknowledges the happiness Moses brings to her daughter. Subsequently, she cautions Moses to maintain distance from Milla, hoping to protect her.
Undeterred, Moses continues to make his presence felt at Milla’s school. After a determined search, Milla finds him, leading to exhilarating drug runs and wild parties, culminating in a night spent on a rooftop. However, heartbreak ensues when Moses vanishes, prompting her concerned parents to take her to the hospital.
As time progresses, Henry and Anna realize that they cannot effectively prevent Milla and Moses’ relationship. They become more accepting, allowing Moses frequent access to her. Yet, when Milla falls ill and Anna uncovers that Moses has pilfered her medication, a rift occurs. Milla feels betrayed, suspecting Moses of exploiting their family’s drug supply, leading her to kick him out.
In a surprising twist, Henry tracks down Moses and offers him a place in their home, promising him drugs in exchange for keeping Milla happy. This unusual arrangement works for a while until Milla learns of her father’s deceitful drugging of Moses. Anger ensues, and Milla demands Moses leave, though he later returns, attempting to combat his addictions to prioritize their relationship.
After a joyful 17th birthday celebration, Milla confides in Moses about her unending pain and the approaching end of her life. In a moment of desperation, she implores him to end her suffering by suffocation, a request he tragically cannot fulfill. Instead, they share an intimate moment, their first time together.
The following morning, as Anna tends to Milla, she realizes with heartache that Milla has transitioned from life during the night. In a poignant flashback, Henry reminisces about a serene day at the beach with Milla. She confides in him her acceptance of dying and urges him to look after Moses. With love and sorrow, Henry promises that he and Anna will find their way through this impending grief.
Babyteeth Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Milla's Cancer Diagnosis” to “Finding a Path Forward”. 3 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Milla's Cancer Diagnosis
Milla Finlay, a vibrant 16-year-old, faces the life-altering news of her cancer diagnosis. Coping with the weight of this reality, she struggles to come to terms with the impact it will have on her life and relationships.
- 2
First Encounter with Moses
While waiting for her train one day, Milla meets Moses, a 23-year-old who boldly asks her for money. Intrigued by his audacity and charm, she feels an immediate connection and decides to introduce him to her parents.
- 3
Meeting Milla's Parents
Milla introduces Moses to her parents, Anna, a musician, and Henry, a psychiatrist. Despite their concerns over the age difference, they allow the relationship to develop, influenced by Milla's delicate health and yearning for companionship.
- 4
Anna's Discovery
One night, Anna uncovers Moses attempting to steal prescription drugs from their home. Alarmed, she wakes Milla and Henry, but Milla's heartfelt defense of Moses sways Anna to let her daughter's happiness guide their decision-making.
- 5
Escalating Relationship
Moses becomes a consistent presence at Milla's school, engaging her in thrilling drug runs and wild parties. Their escapades culminate in a bonding night spent together on a rooftop, deepening Milla's feelings for him.
Where:Rooftop
- 6
Moses Disappears
Moses unexpectedly vanishes, leading Milla's worried parents to take her to the hospital for her declining health. This disappearance marks a turning point for Milla as she must confront the reality of her situation without him.
Where:Hospital
- 7
Henry and Anna's Acceptance
Realizing they cannot control Milla's relationship with Moses, Henry and Anna become more permissive, allowing Moses greater access to Milla. This acceptance, however, is fraught with tension as Milla’s health declines.
- 8
Medication Theft
When Anna uncovers that Moses has stolen Milla's medication, a major rift occurs between Milla and Moses. Feeling betrayed, Milla confronts him and ultimately decides to end their relationship, questioning his intentions.
- 9
Henry's Deceptive Deal
In a twist, Henry finds Moses and brings him back, offering drugs in exchange for keeping Milla happy. This morally ambiguous decision complicates their dynamics and leads to unforeseen consequences.
- 10
Milla's Anger
Milla eventually discovers her father's manipulation, leading to a confrontation with both her father and Moses. Frustrated, she demands that Moses leave once again, but he returns, struggling with his addictions.
Show the other 5 events of Babyteeth Hide the last 5 events
- 11
17th Birthday Celebration
Milla celebrates her 17th birthday, filled with joy but shadowed by her ailment. She opens up to Moses about her pain and the inevitability of her death, deepening their emotional bond and sharing a pivotal, intimate moment.
- 12
Milla's Heartbreaking Decision
In a desperate conversation, Milla requests Moses to end her suffering, highlighting the gravity of her condition. This painful moment solidifies their connection but leaves Moses with a heavy heart as he grapples with her request.
- 13
Milla's Passing
The following morning, Anna discovers that Milla has passed away during the night. This devastating loss leaves the family in mourning, creating a profound void in their lives and highlighting the fragility of life.
- 14
A Flashback Memory
Henry reflects on a peaceful day at the beach with Milla, where she expressed her acceptance of her fate. As he holds onto this memory, he promises to look after Moses, seeking comfort amid the impending grief.
Where:Beach
- 15
Finding a Path Forward
In the aftermath of Milla's death, Henry and Anna vow to navigate their grief while also caring for Moses. They aim to honor Milla's memory while redefining their lives without her, finding hope in shared love and dedication.
Who Are the Main Characters in Babyteeth?
4 characters, among them Milla Finlay, Moses and Anna: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Milla Finlay
Played by Eliza Scanlen
Milla is a 16-year-old girl grappling with a recent cancer diagnosis, showcasing resilience and a desire for connection despite her illness. Her adventurous spirit leads her into a relationship with an older boy, reflecting her longing for normalcy. Milla's journey reflects the struggle between youthful desires and harsh realities.
- 🧑🎓 Young
- 💔 Resilient
- 🌸 Vulnerable
-
Moses
Played by Arka Das
Moses is a 23-year-old with a troubled background, who captures Milla's heart with his charisma and reckless nature. Despite his initial intentions, he becomes entangled in Milla's world, struggling with addictions and the consequences of his actions. His relationship with Milla highlights themes of love and personal growth.
- 🧔 Troubled
- ❤️ Charismatic
- 🎭 Complex
-
Anna
Played by Essie Davis
Anna is Milla's passionate musician mother, who experiences a tumultuous journey as she tries to protect her daughter while navigating her own emotions. Torn between fear and love, Anna's instincts drive her actions, but ultimately she learns to accept Milla's choices. Her character illustrates the pain of a parent watching their child suffer.
- 👩👧 Protective
- 🎶 Passionate
- 😔 Heartbroken
-
Henry
Played by Ben Mendelsohn
Henry is Milla's father, a dedicated psychiatrist who battles his own feelings of helplessness regarding his daughter’s health. His effort to maintain control shifts as he learns to support Milla's wishes, reflecting the complexities of parental love. Henry's journey represents the struggle between professional detachment and emotional involvement.
- 👨⚕️ Caring
- 💔 Struggling
- 🎭 Thoughtful
Where and When Is Babyteeth Set?
Babyteeth is set in Home, School, Rooftop and Beach. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of the movie occur in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as the challenges of teenage relationships and the impact of illness. It encompasses the emotional struggles of a young girl facing cancer, intertwined with the complexities of growing up and navigating love.
Where
Home, School, Rooftop, Beach
The story unfolds in various intimate settings: the family home that serves as a backdrop for Milla's fragile health and family dynamics, her school where she meets Moses, and the rooftop where they share carefree moments. The beach serves as a serene escape for Milla and her father, symbolizing fleeting happiness amidst turmoil.
- 🏠 Home
- 🎓 School
- 🌅 Beach
What Are the Themes of Babyteeth?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Loss and Morality.
-
01
Love
The theme of love is intricately woven throughout Milla's relationship with Moses, showcasing both the intensity and fragility of their connection. Milla's love for Moses drives her to overlook the concerns her parents have, while Moses's affection motivates him to confront his own issues. Their love highlights the yearning for companionship, especially in the face of mortality.
-
02
Loss
Loss pervades the narrative as Milla navigates her terminal illness and the inevitable separation from her loved ones. The emotional weight of impending grief impacts her parents and shapes their decisions, revealing how loss can redefine relationships. Milla's reaching out to end her suffering encapsulates a profound exploration of loss and acceptance.
-
03
Morality
The movie delves into moral complexities, especially surrounding the choices made in the name of love and protection. The actions of both Milla's parents and Moses reflect the ethical dilemmas they face, particularly in how they manage Milla's health and happiness. This theme challenges viewers to consider what lengths they would go to for those they love.
What Kind of Film Is Babyteeth?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A film that finds moments of vibrant, desperate joy and tender connection within the heavy, melancholic journey of a dying teenager and the fractured family struggling to cope with her impending loss.
- melancholic
- introspective
- vibrant
- desperate
- tender
- anxious
- terminal illness
- first love
- family dynamics
- addition
Content notes: terminal illness, drug addiction, drug theft, death of a young person.
Quiz
How well do you remember Babyteeth? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Babyteeth
Stream it on AMC Plus and AMC+, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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