The Film Baby Review: A Sharp Depiction of Queer Brazilian Survivors Lost in the System
Capturing the city's relentless energy and vibrancy of São Paulo, director Marcelo Caetano's gripping drama zooms in on those who exist on the margins of an ever-changing metropolis. Recently released from juvenile prison, 18-year-old Wellington (João Pedro Mariano) stands at a pivotal juncture; left behind by his parents, the wide-eyed young man finds solace in the arms of others.
On an evening out with his rowdy group of queer and non-binary friends, Wellington meets Ronaldo (Ricardo Teodoro), a muscular, charming hustler significantly older than his age. Bathed in the pulsating light of a neon-lit porn cinema, their initial encounter is sensuous and erotic, with an edge of danger. Ronaldo swiftly initiates Wellington to the clandestine realm of the sex trade and drug dealing.
A Portrait of Understanding Rather Than Sensationalism
Caetano depicts Wellington’s new life of crime with compassionate understanding as opposed to as a sensationalist cautionary tale. Now adopting the moniker Baby, he enters his commercial trysts with swaggering confidence and endearing innocence. To his customers, Wellington offers more than his youth and his body, but also moments of care.
In the hectic energy of São Paulo, teeming with busy lanes and vibrant storefronts, there’s a deep-seated solitude, as unmoored souls cling on to one another for momentary bliss.
"The city are fraught with peril, yet they are the place where they can forge familial bonds, too."
A Complex Relationship of Love and Control
Ronaldo is both a lover and a protective father figure to Wellington, but their bond is sabotaged by possessiveness and financial instability. Threats from nefarious characters in the underworld pale in comparison to the fear of government monitoring and jail time, represented by the looming presence of police officers on patrol.
Baby is especially potent as a perceptive study of the disenfranchised individuals who have fallen through the cracks the system. The film ultimately serves as a heartfelt look into survival, chosen family, and the search for self within a demanding urban landscape.
