Written and directed by Marcelo Caetano, co-written by Gabriel Domingues, after his release from a juvenile center, Wellington finds himself homeless in São Paulo. At a porn theater, he meets Ronaldo, who mentors him in street survival. Their bond evolves into a turbulent affair. Starring: João Pedro Mariano,Ricardo Teodoro, Ana Flavia Cavalcanti, Bruna Linzmeyer, Luiz Bertazzo and Marcelo Várzea.
Marcelo Caetano opens Baby with a very intriguing style, it’s almost caught between two worlds, feeling like a drama with a touch of documentary. Caetano makes such a considered effort to ground this story with his style, to make it feel utterly real and it works really well. Part of that is the atmosphere and tone that he creates, it’s layered and unusual. There’s a surprising sweetness to it, one that’s paired very well with Wellington’s (João Pedro Mariano) youth. Something that also complements the unexpected nature of his relationship with Ronaldo (Ricardo Teodoro).
That’s then complemented in turn by the excellent cinematography from Joana Luz and Pedro Sotero. They do such a fantastic job of capturing the feel of 1970s and 1980s cinema, that heightened age of eroticism, particularly with how they work with the lighting and colouring. It’s almost nostalgic, it’s rich but impressively, never loses its earnest quality. Blended with the directorial style they bring together the different emotions of the story and the quintessentially imperfect nature of humans. They capture the desire and the sadness, the determination and the vulnerability.
It moves in a way that’s assured yet hectic, it can be unpredictable without being all over the map or in your face. The writing holds that classic intensity of desire, infatuation and the feeling of being desirable, but it also holds sincere affection and heart. Part of why it’s able to create a great balance between those elements is the pain that lies beneath. The issues that Wellington and Ronaldo face, their flaws and fears, they’re fleshed out so well to allow João Pedro Mariano and Ricardo Teodoro to create a complicated relationship between them.
Mariano nicely captures the youth of Wellington, his blend of reserved yet reckless, mature yet still a boy who misses his mother, it’s sweet and vulnerable. While Teodoro gives us a great contrast in being blunt and logical, but there’s a real need for connection and affection beneath that, which feels very youthful. Their chemistry is wonderful, and they create an unusual, turbulent relationship, one that’s incredibly messy on the surface but built upon a foundation of respect and support that consistently brings them back together.
Baby feels lovingly reminiscent of 1970s cinema, while bringing a nicely modern update to the story, not relying on scandal, violence or sex. It’s chaotic yet charming, it’s shot well to encompass the erotic and criminal elements without losing its heart, creating something that’s unexpectedly sweet and humble. There’s a great ensemble, led well by the touching portrayals from João Pedro Mariano and Ricardo Teodoro. It’s surprisingly sincere and vulnerable, while building a strong intensity and tension, Marcelo Caetano has built a complicated, compelling romance.
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