Babies

Friday, September 18: This screening will be presented with open captions.

Anchored by a pair of hugely appealing lead performances from Seth Rogen (TIFF ’25’s Good Fortune) and Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick (TIFF ’09’s Up In the Air), the second feature from writer-director Lauren Miller Rogen (Like Father) digs deep into the dilemma that comes for every couple: to parent or not to parent? Bolstered by an all-star ensemble that includes Issa Rae (TIFF ’23’s American Fiction), Dan Stevens (TIFF ’25’s Swiped), and Oscar nominees Sharon Stone (Casino) and David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck), Babies is relatable, hilarious, and wise in equal measure.

After 17 years of happy coupledom, Annie (Kendrick, also at this year’s Festival in Misty Green) and Aaron (Rogen) routinely get the question: are you two going to have kids? Their answer is always a solid “maybe.” But they’re about to get an opportunity for some serious field study. Having just left her husband Luke (Stevens), their pal Eliza (Kate Berlant, TIFF ’25’s Maddie’s Secret) comes to stay while she looks for a new home — and brings her young daughter along with her. Will witnessing the joys and sorrows of parenting up close tip the scales one way or another? Will ambivalence reign until Annie and Aaron simply age out?

As her protagonists test drive someone else’s toddler, Miller Rogen rounds out her large-canvas group portrait, exploring significant life milestones such as risky business ventures, the challenges of late-in-life dating, and overcoming some serious potty-training anxiety. This is a big-hearted comedy about community, co-operation, and celebrating all the love that fits.

Content advisory: sexual content, coarse language, mature themes