“Revolutionary Baby” is a short film focusing on the complex nature of household relationships and teenage mental illness directed by Sheherezade Amy El Moumni Berdai. It is not an easy-to-watch short film but that in no way takes away from its importance in today’s day and age. One of the most impressive aspects of this film is the lack of glorification of mental illness. Often in media we find a sugar-coated view on a serious topic, that is not the case with revolutionary baby. This movie follows a teen girl named Inés living in a Moroccan household and her relationship with the housemaid Fatou. Inés Struggles with an eating disorder and the only one who is truly aware and empathetic towards her is Fatou. However her mother does not appreciate this and out of frustration and jealousy makes the problem much worse. The film is shot through black and white, whenever we see food through this lens on film it makes it look much less appealing. This allows us to empathise with the protagonist much better. However the most interesting aspect of the way it is filmed is that it feels almost like a second hand experience. Although theoretically Inés is the main character, she feels more so like the subject of the film that’s being discussed. Most of the time when she is the focus of the lens we’re seeing it through Fatou’s eyes. It allows us to have a glimpse into the way the household works with Fatou consistently wanting to protect Inés and having to choose between the person she loves and herself. She has to watch from behind a closed door, knowing what’s happening on the other side. The care she has for Inés is obvious however she risks being fired and losing her job if she makes too many accommodations. It exemplifies the complex choice humans often face between ourselves or the ones we love. In this case it might not even be possible for Fatou to get another job. She has to choose whether to give in to her boss’ (Inés’ mom) orders or perhaps not eat herself.
The climax of the film is incredibly uncomfortable to watch, and it should be, because mental illness is uncomfortable. It shouldn’t be glamourized, and that is the biggest point of praise people should have for this movie, it’s honest.
Reviewed by Leone Fiorito Wright
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