The Film Baby Review: An Astute Depiction of Queer Brazilian Hustlers Lost in the Established Order

Capturing the urban restlessness and vibrancy of São Paulo, director Marcelo Caetano's bracing drama focuses on those who inhabit the outskirts of an ever-changing metropolis. Fresh out of juvenile prison, 18-year-old Wellington (João Pedro Mariano) stands at a pivotal juncture; abandoned by his parents, the innocent young man finds solace in the arms of others.

On an evening out with his boisterous group of queer and non-binary friends, Wellington meets Ronaldo (Ricardo Teodoro), a strapping, magnetic hustler significantly older than his age. Shrouded in the pulsating light of a neon-lit porn cinema, their first meeting is physical and passionate, with an edge of danger. Ronaldo quickly introduces Wellington to the shadowy world of the sex trade and narcotics trafficking.

A Portrait of Understanding Rather Than Exploitation

The film illustrates Wellington’s new life of crime with tender empathy rather than as a sensationalist cautionary tale. Now going by the name of Baby, he approaches his transactional encounters with brash fearlessness and endearing innocence. To his patrons, Wellington offers more than his youth and his body, but also moments of care.

In the hectic energy of São Paulo, teeming with crowded backstreets and brightly painted facades, there’s a gnawing loneliness, as rootless people cling on to one another for fleeting joy.

"The city can be fraught with peril, yet they are also the space where they can discover chosen kin, too."

A Complicated Dynamic of Affection and Power

Ronaldo is both a lover and a protective father figure to Wellington, but their bond is sabotaged by envy and monetary insecurity. Dangers posed by nefarious characters in the criminal underworld seem minor next to the dread of government monitoring and imprisonment, epitomized by the constant sight of police officers in the area.

Baby is especially potent as a keen observation of the forgotten souls who have fallen through the cracks the social system. The film functions as a poignant exploration into resilience, chosen family, and the pursuit of purpose within a demanding urban landscape.