Babyteeth 2020
Directed by
Shannon Murphy
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Babyteeth (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Milla Finlay, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, faces the harsh reality of her recent cancer diagnosis. One fateful day, while waiting for her train, she encounters Moses (Arka Das), a 23-year-old who quite audaciously asks her for money. Captivated by him, Milla introduces him to her parents—Anna (Essie Davis), a passionate musician, and Henry (Ben Mendelsohn), a dedicated psychiatrist. Despite their discomfort with the significant age gap, they reluctantly allow the relationship to flourish due to Milla’s fragile health condition.
One night, Anna’s instincts lead her to discover an alarming scene: Moses attempting to pilfer prescription drugs from their home. When awakened, Milla and Henry contemplate calling the police, but Milla’s heartfelt plea for compassion sways Anna, who acknowledges the happiness Moses brings to her daughter. Subsequently, she cautions Moses to maintain distance from Milla, hoping to protect her.
Undeterred, Moses continues to make his presence felt at Milla’s school. After a determined search, Milla finds him, leading to exhilarating drug runs and wild parties, culminating in a night spent on a rooftop. However, heartbreak ensues when Moses vanishes, prompting her concerned parents to take her to the hospital.
As time progresses, Henry and Anna realize that they cannot effectively prevent Milla and Moses’ relationship. They become more accepting, allowing Moses frequent access to her. Yet, when Milla falls ill and Anna uncovers that Moses has pilfered her medication, a rift occurs. Milla feels betrayed, suspecting Moses of exploiting their family’s drug supply, leading her to kick him out.
In a surprising twist, Henry tracks down Moses and offers him a place in their home, promising him drugs in exchange for keeping Milla happy. This unusual arrangement works for a while until Milla learns of her father’s deceitful drugging of Moses. Anger ensues, and Milla demands Moses leave, though he later returns, attempting to combat his addictions to prioritize their relationship.
After a joyful 17th birthday celebration, Milla confides in Moses about her unending pain and the approaching end of her life. In a moment of desperation, she implores him to end her suffering by suffocation, a request he tragically cannot fulfill. Instead, they share an intimate moment, their first time together.
The following morning, as Anna tends to Milla, she realizes with heartache that Milla has transitioned from life during the night. In a poignant flashback, Henry reminisces about a serene day at the beach with Milla. She confides in him her acceptance of dying and urges him to look after Moses. With love and sorrow, Henry promises that he and Anna will find their way through this impending grief.
Timeline
Track the key events of Babyteeth (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Milla's Cancer Diagnosis
Milla Finlay, a vibrant 16-year-old, faces the life-altering news of her cancer diagnosis. Coping with the weight of this reality, she struggles to come to terms with the impact it will have on her life and relationships.
First Encounter with Moses
While waiting for her train one day, Milla meets Moses, a 23-year-old who boldly asks her for money. Intrigued by his audacity and charm, she feels an immediate connection and decides to introduce him to her parents.
Meeting Milla's Parents
Milla introduces Moses to her parents, Anna, a musician, and Henry, a psychiatrist. Despite their concerns over the age difference, they allow the relationship to develop, influenced by Milla's delicate health and yearning for companionship.
Anna's Discovery
One night, Anna uncovers Moses attempting to steal prescription drugs from their home. Alarmed, she wakes Milla and Henry, but Milla's heartfelt defense of Moses sways Anna to let her daughter's happiness guide their decision-making.
Escalating Relationship
Moses becomes a consistent presence at Milla's school, engaging her in thrilling drug runs and wild parties. Their escapades culminate in a bonding night spent together on a rooftop, deepening Milla's feelings for him.
Moses Disappears
Moses unexpectedly vanishes, leading Milla's worried parents to take her to the hospital for her declining health. This disappearance marks a turning point for Milla as she must confront the reality of her situation without him.
Henry and Anna's Acceptance
Realizing they cannot control Milla's relationship with Moses, Henry and Anna become more permissive, allowing Moses greater access to Milla. This acceptance, however, is fraught with tension as Milla’s health declines.
Medication Theft
When Anna uncovers that Moses has stolen Milla's medication, a major rift occurs between Milla and Moses. Feeling betrayed, Milla confronts him and ultimately decides to end their relationship, questioning his intentions.
Henry's Deceptive Deal
In a twist, Henry finds Moses and brings him back, offering drugs in exchange for keeping Milla happy. This morally ambiguous decision complicates their dynamics and leads to unforeseen consequences.
Milla's Anger
Milla eventually discovers her father's manipulation, leading to a confrontation with both her father and Moses. Frustrated, she demands that Moses leave once again, but he returns, struggling with his addictions.
17th Birthday Celebration
Milla celebrates her 17th birthday, filled with joy but shadowed by her ailment. She opens up to Moses about her pain and the inevitability of her death, deepening their emotional bond and sharing a pivotal, intimate moment.
Milla's Heartbreaking Decision
In a desperate conversation, Milla requests Moses to end her suffering, highlighting the gravity of her condition. This painful moment solidifies their connection but leaves Moses with a heavy heart as he grapples with her request.
Milla's Passing
The following morning, Anna discovers that Milla has passed away during the night. This devastating loss leaves the family in mourning, creating a profound void in their lives and highlighting the fragility of life.
A Flashback Memory
Henry reflects on a peaceful day at the beach with Milla, where she expressed her acceptance of her fate. As he holds onto this memory, he promises to look after Moses, seeking comfort amid the impending grief.
Finding a Path Forward
In the aftermath of Milla's death, Henry and Anna vow to navigate their grief while also caring for Moses. They aim to honor Milla's memory while redefining their lives without her, finding hope in shared love and dedication.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Babyteeth (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Milla Finlay
Milla is a 16-year-old girl grappling with a recent cancer diagnosis, showcasing resilience and a desire for connection despite her illness. Her adventurous spirit leads her into a relationship with an older boy, reflecting her longing for normalcy. Milla's journey reflects the struggle between youthful desires and harsh realities.
Moses
Moses is a 23-year-old with a troubled background, who captures Milla's heart with his charisma and reckless nature. Despite his initial intentions, he becomes entangled in Milla's world, struggling with addictions and the consequences of his actions. His relationship with Milla highlights themes of love and personal growth.
Anna
Anna is Milla's passionate musician mother, who experiences a tumultuous journey as she tries to protect her daughter while navigating her own emotions. Torn between fear and love, Anna's instincts drive her actions, but ultimately she learns to accept Milla's choices. Her character illustrates the pain of a parent watching their child suffer.
Henry
Henry is Milla's father, a dedicated psychiatrist who battles his own feelings of helplessness regarding his daughter’s health. His effort to maintain control shifts as he learns to support Milla's wishes, reflecting the complexities of parental love. Henry's journey represents the struggle between professional detachment and emotional involvement.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Babyteeth (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie occur in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as the challenges of teenage relationships and the impact of illness. It encompasses the emotional struggles of a young girl facing cancer, intertwined with the complexities of growing up and navigating love.
Location
Home, School, Rooftop, Beach
The story unfolds in various intimate settings: the family home that serves as a backdrop for Milla's fragile health and family dynamics, her school where she meets Moses, and the rooftop where they share carefree moments. The beach serves as a serene escape for Milla and her father, symbolizing fleeting happiness amidst turmoil.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Babyteeth (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love
The theme of love is intricately woven throughout Milla's relationship with Moses, showcasing both the intensity and fragility of their connection. Milla's love for Moses drives her to overlook the concerns her parents have, while Moses's affection motivates him to confront his own issues. Their love highlights the yearning for companionship, especially in the face of mortality.
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Loss
Loss pervades the narrative as Milla navigates her terminal illness and the inevitable separation from her loved ones. The emotional weight of impending grief impacts her parents and shapes their decisions, revealing how loss can redefine relationships. Milla's reaching out to end her suffering encapsulates a profound exploration of loss and acceptance.
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Morality
The movie delves into moral complexities, especially surrounding the choices made in the name of love and protection. The actions of both Milla's parents and Moses reflect the ethical dilemmas they face, particularly in how they manage Milla's health and happiness. This theme challenges viewers to consider what lengths they would go to for those they love.
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