Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau, both real-life best friends with babies, star in the comedy film Babes as best friends with babies. The idea for the movie came about naturally as Glazer was pregnant, and Buteau had a one and a three-year-old. The film, which premiered at South by Southwest earlier this year and is now in theaters, follows Glazer’s character, devoutly single Eden, who gets pregnant from a one-night stand and turns to her best friend Dawn, played by Buteau, for help navigating parenthood.
The chemistry between Glazer and Buteau is undeniable, with their characters reflecting their real-life friendship. Glazer explains that Eden and Dawn’s voices are similar, but distinct enough to separate the characters. The idea of casting Buteau came to Glazer in a vision, and after convincing her, Buteau was all in, giving her all in the role. Buteau describes the experience of working with her friend on Babes as a challenge that she gladly took on to support Glazer’s vision and dream.
The world premiere of Babes at South by Southwest was met with unexpected success, with the audience reacting passionately to the film with laughter and tears. Glazer and Buteau both marveled at the response, with Buteau describing the experience as “winsanity.” The film’s honest portrayal of pregnancy and parenthood has resonated with audiences, making them feel seen and heard. The duo discusses the importance of open conversations about parenting and the realization that struggles are a shared experience.
As both Glazer and Buteau navigate real-life parenthood, their on-screen friendship reflects their off-screen bond. Both actresses highlight the importance of community and support during the early days of parenting. Their longstanding friendship of over 20 years has given them a sense of comfort and familiarity as they embrace the changes that come with parenthood. The film draws influences from classic friendships and relationships movies like Bridesmaids and Superbad, with director Pamela Adlon’s past work tying into a pivotal scene in Babes.
In an exciting turn of events, Buteau is set to make history by becoming the first woman to tape a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Buteau emphasizes the importance of representation and diversity in comedy. She sees her success as a stepping stone for aspiring comedians from marginalized communities to have opportunities to showcase their talent on big stages. Buteau’s upcoming comedy special is not only a personal accomplishment but also a milestone for inclusivity in the comedy industry.
