Bébé(s) (2010)

Review

This documentary shows us how the first year of a human life can be, through four newborns in four different countries and cultures, and seen from the point of view of the little infants themselves. The occurrences we get to witness are exactly as predictable and unpredictable as life with a baby is; we see them being breastfed, pee, learn to crawl and eventually stand up. It may not sound anything but mundane for seasoned grown-ups, but through Thomas Balmès' beautiful direction and filterless narration we get to share the wonder of it all from the babies' perspective, and it's both awe-inspiring and joyous. The added element of seeing the differences and similarities between the different cultures these four kids are born into, enhanced by some brilliant crosscutting, gives the film a fine portion of food for thought as well.