Directed by Vincent Garenq
You must really love children to be a paediatrician and have your day filled with a parade of screaming babies and distressed parents. If your sister has you sussed as being able to mind her screaming darling at no notice so she can go out to dinner, then there is no doubt. Manu (Lambert Wilson) is that pediatrician with that sister, and he has applied to an adoption agency because he really wants a child of his own. Unfortunately this is news to his long time partner and lawyer Philippe (Pascal Elbe), who is told he must vacate their apartment while it is de-gayed for the assessing social worker. I didn’t know that you couldn’t adopt in France if you are gay, but Manu finds out that this is certainly the case.
Philippe’s priorities are more self-centred anyway and when Manu decides to look for a surrogate mother, their relationship is certainly challenged. Manu approaches his best friend and business partner before resorting to answering advertisements from lesbians seeking sperm. It’s a serious matter but the audience can see the funny side as well. When the beautiful but visa-less Fina (Pila Lopez de Ayala) from South America agrees to the surrogacy arrangement in exchange for a marriage of convenience, even more complications arise. This is an emotional journey with plenty of laughs along the way.
Actually, Baby Love was inspired by actual events that happened to Manu’s Lambert Wilson, who is a friend of the writer/director. The film screens as part of the French Film Festival – whose opening night film and party is legendary and sells out weeks before.
Opening night is Wed 25 March and Baby Love is on Tue 31 March. See www.lunapalace.com.au for the full program and bookings.
Lezly Herbert
