Thomas Balmes' documentary Babies could not have a more basic premise. He followed four children, born in different areas of the world -- Ponijao, from Namibia; Mongolian Bayarjargal; Mari, from Tokyo, Japan; and San Franciscan Hattie -- through the first 12 months of their lives. While that description, and the trailer, makes the film appear to be something like a greatest hits collection from a National Geographic YouTube channel devoted to infants, Balmes deftly juxtaposes the children's different cultures in such a way that the movie stimulates your brain while plucking your heartstrings.
The movie's MO is plain from the opening minutes, where we see the birthing condition for each of the children. Ponijao comes into the world in a modest hut after his mother rubs red pigment over her pregnancy-swollen belly, while Hattie arrives in a state-of-the-art birthing center surrounded by medical equipment and technicians. While never taking its gaze off the four stars, the movie quietly, but consistently, makes you aware of their surroundings. If you've never been to one of these places, you get the joy of discovering them just as the kids do.
The most surprising aspect of Babies is that the filmmakers made the genius decision not to use any narration whatsoever. They trust viewers to take from the film what they want, be it a study of how newborns are treated all over the globe, or simply an excuse to let out audible "oooooohs" when the adorable little ones laugh, discover their hands, and take their first steps. And by keeping the whole thing to just about 75 minutes, Balmes and those tykes never wear out their welcome.
The four kids are all charmers in their own unique ways, as well. Highlights include a memorable tantrum from Mari, Hattie getting bored during an organized play session, and Bayarjargal both playing with a cat and discovering the joy of unraveling a roll of paper. Sure, Babies is almost criminally cute, but it's also surprisingly engaging in an admirably low-key way.
