Netflix Movie Review: Babies

Thomas Balmès's Nascent Documentary on Babies

This was an adorable little documentary (pun definitely intended) that spanned four countries and followed four unique children through the first year of their existences. The image above says it all. Everybody loves BABIES! This film was no exception to the point. Although the film lacked typical narration, the natural dialogue of the developing children sold the audience on the experience of year one through the eyes of Hattie, Bayar, Mari, and Ponijao. That experience would open my eyes to landscapes and environments that I  was scarcely familiar with - such as basking in the dusty sun of Namibia, covered in flies.

My favorite of the four infants would be...hmm. Well, I loved the confidence and curiosity of little Ponijao as she gnawed her way through her first months on rocks, twigs, bugs, and what appeared to be a bleached cow bone. But I also loved Bayar's naked treks through Mongolian farmland. Hattie's intellectual capabilities were very impressive and who didn't melt while watching her peel that banana? Then again there was Mari - the cute little Japanese girl who was so determined to figure out that ring-and-pole toy. Maybe I am biased because of my future little Vietnamese babies, but I think that Mari wins my favorite pick.

Favorites aside, the movie was an insightful adventure into the emotions of four very different children. Despite their differences, however, were the two defining factors they all seemed to share: the natural drive to walk it like Mommy and the curiously human satisfaction with their own private monologue.

This movie is great to pick up for those generally interested in Discovery Channel or National Geographic documentaries. As far as content and direction I give this movie two baby thumbs up.

Shaun's Netflix Movie Grade: B+