Baby Done

The film wanted us to feel something but I just didn't believe Zoe's character. Shame.

A pleasant if unremarkable New Zealand comedy, Baby Done never tries to mess with the well-worn baby/new parents sub-genre of comedy features but it would be hard to walk away from this gentle and simply effective tale without a smile on your face.

Starring New Zealand comedy star Rose Matafeo (in a role that is likely to gain her significant attention globally) and Neville Longbottom himself Matthew Lewis in one of his best roles yet outside of the Harry Potter franchise he made his name in, Curtis Vowell's quickfire comedic outing wins instant points with its likeable leads taking centre stage as young couple Zoe and Tim whose lives take a 180 degree turn when they find out they're having a baby.

What follows on from this news is fairly stereotypical of such comedies, pregnancy classes, bucket list ideas and stressing out about what life may now look like with a new addition in tow but in a neat twist on the usual this time around Zoe is the one who is more reluctant to accept the new life she is about to enter into while the considered and softly spoken Tim is the one "nesting" at home and willing to embrace what lays ahead of him with parenthood.

This fresh spin on the usual man-child shtick that litters most of these modern parenthood comedies is another win for the film and while you're never really in any doubt about how things will pan out in this tale, witnessing Zoe struggle to give up her dreams and career easily provides amusing life antidotes and funny moments that makes Vowell's film constantly engaging without ever threatening to be an absolute gem.

With so many highly regarded films being born in New Zealand over the last decade (think What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople etc.), Baby Done never feels as instantly quality as some of its beloved counterparts but its universal themes, flawed but enjoyable characters and sense of heart make it another solid addition to the countries growing list of winning products.

Final Say -

Some great chemistry between its two leads and an easy to digest story ensure Baby Done is another fine New Zealand offering and while it may not provide any huge (baby) belly laughs or provide anything new to its familiar plot-line, this is a comedic effort that is sure to please audiences from around the world.

3 parent teacher interviews out of 5.

It started off well. It was funny and the chemistry between the two leads was fantastic. But Zoe became increasingly annoying and over the top.

It was saved by the last ten minutes.

Greetings again from the darkness. "I don't want to not have a baby." This is just one of the zingers Zoe rattles off during this charming, and often quite funny film from director Curtis Vowell and writer Sophie Henderson. Fellow New Zealander Taika Waititi is an Executive Producer, and his influences are apparent (and always welcome). In a light-hearted way, while still maintaining plenty of heart, the film explores the fear of losing or compromising one's true self when parenthood strikes.

Rose Matafeo delivers a terrific performance as Zoe, a tree-climbing arborist by profession, and a thrill-seeking adventurer by choice. Her partner in life, and in the tree-trimming business and in the thrill seeking, is Tim (Matthew Lewis). They are the type of couple who go to a friend's baby shower and peek into the gender reveal box before dominating the party games. Zoe is fed up with losing friends, and describes the life cycle as "Married, house, baby, done", implying that people aren't the same after having completing these steps and no longer want to hang out with free-wheelers and the unencumbered like her and Tim.

Denial. That's the best description of how Zoe reacts to finding out she's pregnant. Besides not telling Tim (a major relationship gaffe), she continues on with tree-trimming and pursues the "Tree Climbing Championship" she has qualified for (I still wonder if that's really a thing). When Tim and her friend Molly (Emily Barclay) find out about the secret, feelings are hurt and emotions wreak havoc. Comedy is provided through the prenatal/antenatal class instructor, as well as through Zoe's new acquaintance Brian (Nic Sampson) whom she connects with online. See, Nic ... well, he, uh ... has a thing for pregnant women. Not babies, mind you. But pregnant women - which by definition seems to limit the prospects of a long-term relationship.

The always-great Rachel House makes a brief appearance as the headmaster at a local school, and much of what we see is a mess created by pregnant Zoe as she attempts to stay focused on her "bucket list". The film excels at presenting two versions of anxiety with Zoe and Tim, and it's loaded with relatively small moments that are quite relatable - some funny, some more serious. Like it or not, parenthood creates life changes, and the topic benefits from New Zealand wit, and a cast that perfectly complements the sharp and insightful script.

Love Rose Matafeo. Love Taika Waititi. Quite like Neville from Harry Potter. So I was really looking forward to watching this. But, Rose's character's behaviour is downright unbelievable. I could have forgiven this if the film was hilarious, but it just isn't - there are a couple of funny moments, but that's it. Such a shame.