Westside Messenger - June 28th, 2020

PAGE 12 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - June 28, 2020
While there are no real positives to be
found with the temporary closure of movie
theaters, a small beacon of light has been
the increased access to independent films
through on-demand or streaming services.
Living in a smaller media market often
means their release plays second, or third,
fiddle to big studio releases so having them
come right to your computer or television
screen has been a pleasant revelation for
fans of indie cinema.
One of the indie films that had been
making a lot of noise on the circuit late last
year was “Babyteeth,” an Australian stage
adaptation that explores teen romance and
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In Entertainment
“Babyteeth” an offbeat story about terminally ill teen
terminal illness.
Drawing praise for its acting and nonmanipulative
storytelling, it was set to
open at small and locally owned theaters
and then expand to the larger chains
through word of mouth. Then the global
pandemic hit and scrapped those plans.
Knowing that it could get a decent audience
through on-demand and virtual
screenings, it was released this past weekend
and generated decent buzz online. And,
as someone who ordered it for rent, I can
attest that it does live up to its shortened
hype.
In the film, Eliza Scanlen (“Sharp
Objects”) plays Milla Finlay, a teenager
who experiences her first brush with love
near what could be the end of her life.
While dazedly waiting for a train home
from school one day, she is drawn away
from her melancholia by the presence of a
strange boy named Moses (newcomer Toby
Wallace) who seems to have a complete disregard
for his physical safety.
Compelled to speak to the boy who
almost got hit by the train, she strikes up a
conversation about hair (hers is still long;
his is unevenly shorn and features a rat
tail/mullet combo) and remains completely
oblivious to his desire to score some cash
from her.
When the alarm bells do start to ring in
her head, Milla ignores the sound in favor
of some more time with the odd, hyperactive
fellow who has scars and facial tattoos
and no qualms about wearing shirts spotted
with nasal blood.
While the pair are bonding through
haircuts (he takes her back to his mother’s
house to give her a buzz with shears meant
for Bichons Frises), we meet the second
couple in this movie —Milla’s mother and
father, Anna and Henry (Essie Davis and
Ben Mendelsohn, respectively).
Though a psychiatrist, Henry is having
trouble talking about the grief he feels over
his daughter’s terminal illness and has
been “lightly” self-medicating as a way to
cope. His wife, too, has been self-medicating
though only with pills prescribed by
Henry.
While slightly high from the medication,
the married duo meet the potential new
couple at dinner that night. Henry, having
a bit more awareness of the situation, is
trying to figure out why his daughter is
attracted to Moses while Anna is trying to
determine whether she is having a stroke.
Moses, who seems to come from a family of
dysfunction, is delighted by this dynamic.
When Anna really comes to, she is horrified
that a 23-year-old is hanging around
her still teenaged daughter and demands
that he stay away. Naturally, that goes
about as well as expected and eventually
they come around to his presence as he
makes Milla feel alive. “This is the worst
possible parenting I can imagine,” Anna
Pet Corner
Pets of the week
admits as they allow Moses temporary
quarters in their home.
But the “love story” between Milla and
Moses isn’t the kind that is often depicted
in similar films; for the most part, Moses
only hangs around Milla to steal drugs to
sell and Milla, well, her motives might be
deeper than attraction to a “bad boy” with
a zest for living life as it comes.
Though the elements featured in this
film are more serious minded, it is not
devoid of humor. There are some absurd
observations and scenes that will have you
laughing out loud and then wondering if
you should be having as great of a time
watching as you are.
While “Babyteeth” occasionally stumbles
into a sense of disjointedness through
director Shannon Murphy’s use of jump
transitioning with title cards, the script
(written by Rita Kalnejais and adapted
from her play) is sharp enough and the acting
raw enough to propel it past the occasion
missteps in telling this offbeat and
original story.
Grade: B
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The Reel Deal
Dedra Cordle
Dedra Cordle is a Messenger staff writer
and columnist.
These furry friends are available
for adoption at local
rescues and shelters
Annie is a sweet 6-
year-old mixed
breed. She has been
waiting at the local
shelter for her perfect
family. She would
love a home with
someone who would
take her out for daily
walks. This lady will need to meet any future
dog companions, but she has been in playgroup
with a muzzle. Annie is up for adoption
at the Franklin County Dog Shelter.
FYI: www.franklincountydogs.com
Jade is a 9-year-old
Boxer mix. Despite
her age, she has lots
of energy and still
loves to run around.
She likes to chase
balls, go on long
walks and she enjoys
lots of pets and cuddles.
Jade would do
best as the only pet in the home, as she
prefers to be the star of the show, but she
loves people. Come meet her at the Franklin
County Dog Shelter.
FYI: www.franklincountydogs.com
Bellows is a wonderful
girl and will be a
perfect addition to
your home. She gets
along well with other
cats and loves attention.
Bellows is a rare
gem. She is FIV positive
but can live harmoniously
with FIV
negative cats. Bellows is up for adoption
through Colony Cats.
FYI: www.colonycats.org
Meelo is a 1-year-old sweet boy. He loves
playing with kittens
and other cats, especially
playing tag. He
even cuddles with
dogs. This loveable
boy is eager to find
his forever family and
would make a great
addition to any home.
Meelo is up for adoption
through Friends
for Life Animal Haven.
FYI: www.fflah.org