Baby Review: An Astute Portrait of LGBTQ+ Brazilian Hustlers Adrift in the System

Capturing the metropolitan unease and vibrancy of São Paulo, filmmaker Caetano's unflinching drama zooms in on those who exist on the margins of an ever-changing metropolis. Fresh out of juvenile prison, 18-year-old Wellington (João Pedro Mariano) finds himself at a crossroads; deserted by his parents, the innocent young man discovers refuge in the arms of others.

On an night on the town with his rowdy group of queer and non-binary friends, Wellington crosses paths with Ronaldo (Ricardo Teodoro), a hunky, charismatic hustler over double his age. Illuminated by the pulsating light of a XXX cinema, their initial encounter is physical and passionate, with an edge of danger. Ronaldo promptly ushers Wellington to the clandestine realm of prostitution and selling drugs.

A Portrait of Empathy Rather Than Sensationalism

The film illustrates Wellington’s new life of crime with gentle sympathy rather than as a sensationalist cautionary tale. Now adopting the moniker Baby, he approaches his transactional encounters with swaggering confidence and endearing innocence. To his patrons, Wellington offers more than his youth and his body, but also moments of care.

In the electrifying chaos of São Paulo, filled with busy lanes and brightly painted facades, there’s a persistent isolation, as adrift individuals hold fast to one another for temporary happiness.

"The streets can be filled with danger, yet they are where they can discover chosen kin, too."

A Complex Dynamic of Love and Control

Ronaldo is simultaneously a partner and a protective father figure to Wellington, but their bond is sabotaged by jealousy and monetary insecurity. Intimidation from nefarious characters in the underworld seem minor next to the fear of state surveillance and incarceration, epitomized by the looming presence of police officers in the area.

Baby is particularly impactful as a perceptive study of the lost people who have slipped through the gaps the established structure. The film ultimately serves as a heartfelt look into resilience, chosen family, and the search for self within a demanding urban landscape.