---
title: "Babyteeth"
year: 2020
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/babyteeth"
fi1m_id: "babyteeth"
imdb_id: "tt8399664"
tmdb_id: 522098
wikidata_id: "Q66712802"
fi1m_score: 82
critics_score: 76
critics_reviews: 26
published: "2026-10-03T01:10:46.556997+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-03T01:10:47.058155+00:00"
region: "GR"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Babyteeth (2020)

Directed by Shannon Murphy · 1h 58m · ΓΓΤΕ Κ-15 · Drama, Comedy, Romance

## Identity

Babyteeth

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/babyteeth
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** babyteeth
- **IMDb ID:** tt8399664
- **TMDB ID:** 522098
- **Wikidata ID:** Q66712802
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8399664/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/522098, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q66712802

**Fi1m score: 82** · Critics 76 from 26 reviews

*In a sentence:* Cancer does not make a teenager’s taste in boyfriends any easier to discuss over dinner

> Shannon Murphy makes a moving, darkly funny drama from young love and serious illness, with Eliza Scanlen refusing every invitation to look saintly. The decorative flourishes sometimes get in her way; the performances are worth staying for.

## Synopsis

Milla (Eliza Scanlen), a teenager with cancer, wants to experience first love. She becomes involved with Moses (Toby Wallace), an older drug dealer whose presence gives the people around her another reason to worry. Anna (Essie Davis) and Henry (Ben Mendelsohn) must deal with Milla’s determination to pursue the relationship and the risks that come with it. A dinner brings the discomfort into the open, with affection and anxiety making ordinary conversation difficult. Milla wants room to make choices of her own, while those close to her struggle to decide how much freedom they can allow.

## Review

*Babyteeth* has a difficult job: making a teenager’s hunger for experience matter when cancer threatens to dominate every conversation about her. Shannon Murphy gives Milla room to be impatient, attracted to trouble and difficult to protect. The film is funny enough to make its darker moments hurt, and we recommend it despite an occasional fondness for showing how unusual it can be. Moses is an older drug dealer, so the adults’ concerns are reasonable. That makes Milla’s attachment awkward in ways that a straightforward story of forbidden love would avoid.

Eliza Scanlen makes that attachment convincing without asking us to approve of every choice. Milla can be selfish, impatient and frightened, and the performance does not tidy those feelings into a sequence of lessons learned. Toby Wallace gives Moses enough tenderness to explain the attraction without making his presence feel safe. Their scenes have the uncertainty of two people working out what they want from each other, which makes the romance persuasive even when we worry about it.

The family scenes give Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn room to be frightened and ridiculous at once. We laughed at the dinner scene, then felt uncomfortable about laughing. Rita Kalnejais puts the characters’ awkward attempts to manage one another beside the fear nobody can quite manage, and the actors keep both visible. The meal works because their affection does not make them any less embarrassing, or much better at knowing what to say.

Andrew Commis moves between daylight, shadow and neon to keep the photography responsive to Milla’s experience. Brightness is allowed even when the subject is grim, which saves the film from looking as though everyone has agreed to be miserable in advance. Sherree Phillips’s production design helps sustain that bright palette, but the pastel prettiness sometimes feels too carefully arranged around the distress. We could do with less of that insistence on colour once the performances have made the household’s unease plain.

Amanda Brown’s music belongs to a soundtrack willing to change mood rather abruptly, and the children’s choir is an especially effective choice. It allows innocence into the film without making Milla behave innocently. The dancing is less consistently useful: repetition begins to turn her pleasure into something underlined for us. Stephen Evans’s editing leaves too many of these passages in place, when we already understand her determination to enjoy herself.

Teenage illness dramas can make the young person so admirable that there is little left for an actor to do. *Babyteeth* avoids that trap whenever it trusts Eliza Scanlen to be wilful, needy or simply interested in Moses. She makes the prospect of being protected from every mistake feel stifling, even when the protection comes from love. Watch it for her, with some patience for a director who occasionally decorates a scene that was already doing its job.

*Fi1m score 82, published 3 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find Babyteeth moving and refreshingly unsentimental, with praise centred on Eliza Scanlen’s vivid, resilient performance and the cast’s handling of complicated family relationships. The reviews repeatedly credit Shannon Murphy with balancing dark humour, first love and serious illness without reducing Milla to her diagnosis. There is also appreciation for the lively visual style and eclectic soundtrack, though the performances draw the most consistent approval across a broadly positive reception.

Reservations concern overworked quirks, repetition and passages that feel twee or meandering; enthusiasm ranges from wholehearted praise to qualified approval, with no outright negative verdicts. The Hollywood Reporter finds the early comedy strained but considers the conclusion affecting, while The AV Club admires the dark humour yet finds the ending sentimental. That disagreement captures the main divide: most critics feel the film earns its emotional force, but some find its stylistic flourishes or more insistent moments distracting.

## Straight answers

**Is Babyteeth worth watching?**

*Babyteeth* is worth watching for its moving, darkly funny treatment of teenage love and serious illness, and we score it 82. We recommend it especially for Eliza Scanlen’s wilful, unsaintly Milla and the awkward family scenes, though the decorative colour and repeated dancing sometimes distract from performances that need little assistance.

**How long is Babyteeth, and what is it rated?**

*Babyteeth* runs 1h 58m and is rated Κ-15 by the ΓΓΤΕ in Greece. It is a drama and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Babyteeth in Greece?**

*Babyteeth* is not on any streaming or rental service in Greece at the moment. It is available in 16 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Babyteeth, and is it suitable for children?**

*Babyteeth* has a UK 15 certificate and is not suitable for children under 15. Its teenager’s cancer, relationship with an older drug dealer and frightened family make it emotionally difficult material, even with the dark humour. We would approach it cautiously if serious illness is a sensitive subject; the certificate alone does not establish how violent or frightening individual scenes are.

**How does Babyteeth compare to Fish Tank?**

*Babyteeth* is the warmer, more openly comic choice beside [*Fish Tank*](https://film.one/film/fish-tank), though both follow headstrong teenagers whose desire for freedom troubles the adults around them. We favour *Babyteeth* for awkward family humour and a persuasive romance under the pressure of illness; *Fish Tank* better suits an appetite for tense encounters and dance scenes that work more consistently.

**What should I watch after Babyteeth?**

After *Babyteeth*, try [*Fish Tank*](https://film.one/film/fish-tank) (2009, Fi1m 85): Another headstrong teenager whose wish for freedom makes the adults around her uncomfortable. Then [*Harold and Maude*](https://film.one/film/harold-and-maude) (1971, Fi1m 81): An unlikely romance with morbid humour and a stubborn appetite for living.

### Reviews we read (26)

- **The Guardian**, Wendy Ide (5/5): Ide calls the film joyous and life-affirming, praising its fearless, lively filmmaking. She especially singles out the eclectic soundtrack and its unexpectedly apt use of a children’s choir. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/aug/16/babyteeth-review-fearless-debut-shannon-murphy-eliza-scanlen-toby-wallace)
- **Variety**, Guy Lodge (86/100, inferred): Lodge finds the film an arresting, intensely moving coming-of-age drama that builds to a powerful final act. He especially praises the quartet of performances, singling out Eliza Scanlen and Toby Wallace’s finely attuned work. [Read](https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/babyteeth-review-1203322916/)
- **Sight and Sound** (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a compelling, unsentimental portrait of first love amid suffering. They especially praise its nuanced performances and its deft balance of humour and tragedy. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/babyteeth-shannon-murphy-first-love-teen-romance)
- **The i Paper**, Joseph Walsh (85/100, inferred): Walsh finds the film tonally rich and moving, praising its refusal of sentimental clichés. He especially singles out the dinner scene for its balance of squeamish humour and emotional tension. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/babyteeth-review-film-shannon-murphy-579090)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (B+): Ehrlich praises the film as an honest, moving drama that balances hope and despair without becoming mawkish. He singles out Eliza Scanlen’s feral, resilient performance and the cast’s ability to make the characters’ vulnerability feel raw. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/babyteeth-review-venice-1202170785/)
- **Empire**, Christina Newland (80/100, inferred): Newland finds the film deeply moving and refreshing, though it sometimes veers into twee or overemphasised moments. She especially praises the powerful performances and the nuanced family relationships. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/babyteeth/)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The review presents the drama as quietly electrifying, balancing discovery with mortality. It singles out the heroine as both vividly real and ethereal. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/babyteeth)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (78/100, inferred): Chang finds the film emotionally forceful and ultimately moving, despite some early tonal uncertainty. He especially praises how Eliza Scanlen makes Milla feel like a complex person rather than a diagnosis. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-06-18/babyteeth-review-eliza-scanlen)
- **The AV Club**, Katie Rife (B): Rife finds the film a fresh, darkly comic take on the teen cancer romance, though its sentimental ending leaves a maudlin aftertaste. She praises Murphy’s striking use of color and her ability to blend naturalistic performances with heightened style. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/babyteeth-puts-a-bitingly-satirical-spin-on-the-cancer-1844060003)
- **Slant Magazine**, Chris Barsanti (3/4): Barsanti finds the film an affecting, wry blend of tragedy and comedy, though its secondary-character scenes feel beside the point. He praises its focus on Milla’s determination to live fully and the screenplay’s sardonic sensibility. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-babyteeth-neatly-threads-the-needle-between-tragedy-and-comedy/)
- **Film Comment**, Jonathan Romney (70/100, inferred): Romney presents the film as fresh and bright. He singles out its lively transformation of a story about a stricken teenager and her wild paramour. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/film-of-the-week-babyteeth/)
- **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (70/100, inferred): Jenkins finds Babyteeth a notable, confident debut, though its final reel is confusing and abrupt. He singles out Eliza Scanlen’s performance and the film’s refusal to sensationalise illness or addiction. [Read](https://lwlies.com/festivals/babyteeth-venice-film-festival-review-shannon-murphy)
- **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (70/100, inferred): Willmore calls the film an impressive, unsentimental debut, though she finds its pastel-pink darkness somewhat easy and familiar. She particularly praises Eliza Scanlen’s hungry, non-sentimental performance as Milla. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/babyteeth-movie-review-not-your-standard-cancer-romance.html)
- **The New York Times**, Jeannette Catsoulis (65/100, inferred): The page is identified as a New York Times review of *Babyteeth*, but its text is inaccessible. Without the review, its verdict and specific praise or complaint cannot be reliably summarized. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/movies/babyteeth-review.html)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The page could not be accessed, so its verdict is unavailable. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the available text. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/venice-2019-the-king-about-endlessness-babyteeth)
- **Screen Daily**, Lee Marshall (64/100, inferred): The available page does not expose the critic’s verdict. It identifies the premise as a cancer-stricken teen’s relationship with an older drug dealer. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/babyteeth-venice-review/5142516.article)
- **Radio Times**, Josh Winning (3/5): The review finds the Australian melodrama compelling for its performances but potentially too meandering. It singles out the cast’s performances as its chief strength. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-18abvm/babyteeth)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (55/100, inferred): Rooney finds the film’s early, overworked quirks and strained comedy frustrating, but says it reaches a satisfying and genuinely affecting conclusion. He especially praises the quiet Christmas-table coda, where the characters’ connection is allowed to emerge naturally. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/babyteeth-film-review-venice-2019-1236624/)
- **The Skinny**, Jamie Dunn (5/5): The review calls the film a lively, bittersweet comedy-drama and one of the sparkiest debuts in recent memory. It praises the vivid visual style and the vitality of the performances, especially Eliza Scanlen’s. [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/lff-2019-babyteeth)
- **Paste**, Andy Crump (8.7): Crump calls the film a painful, beautiful, and especially true gem. He praises Eliza Scanlen’s vivid performance and the range Shannon Murphy draws from her. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/shannon-murphy/babyteeth-eliza-scanlen-review)
- **Film Stories**, Freda Cooper (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a profoundly moving, energetic tragicomedy whose shortcomings are outweighed by its compassion. She especially praises Eliza Scanlen’s performance and Shannon Murphy’s avoidance of mawkishness. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/babyteeth-review-an-unconventional-excellent-young-adult-drama/)
- **Polygon**, Karen Han (85/100, inferred): Han calls Babyteeth a fresh, powerful take on young love and illness. She especially praises Eliza Scanlen’s vivid performance and the film’s intimate, understated storytelling. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/18/21295932/babyteeth-review-eliza-scanlen-ben-mendelsohn-essie-davis/)
- **The Playlist**, Christina Newland (B+): Newland calls the film an imperfect but devastating story, praising its emotional intelligence and restraint. She criticizes the repetitive dancing scenes and occasional excess of heartfelt moments. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/babyteeth-venice-review-20190904/)
- **Eye for Film**, Amber Wilkinson (75/100, inferred): Wilkinson finds the drama refreshingly matter-of-fact and optimistic despite its serious subject matter. She praises the cinematography for using natural light, shade, and neon to reflect Milla’s perspective. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/babyteeth-2019-film-review-by-amber-wilkinson)
- **NME** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film unpredictable and mostly gratifying despite occasional repetition and a contrived late turn. They praise the cast’s ability to convey the characters’ mixture of love and anguish. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/babyteeth-review-2727101)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (62/100, inferred): The review finds the film uneven, but ultimately deeply moving. It praises the natural, tearful beachfront conclusion while faulting the overworked visual style for blunting the story’s tougher questions. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/babyteeth-film-review-ben-mendelsohn-essie-davis/)

## Details

- **Director:** Shannon Murphy
- **Director:** Shannon Murphy
- **Screenplay:** Rita Kalnejais
- **Cinematography:** Andrew Commis
- **Editor:** Stephen Evans
- **Music:** Amanda Brown
- **Production design:** Sherree Phillips
- **Costume design:** Amelia Gebler
- **Producer:** Alex White
- **Cast:** Eliza Scanlen as Milla; Toby Wallace as Moses; Essie Davis as Anna; Ben Mendelsohn as Henry; Eugene Gilfedder as Gidon; Emily Barclay as Toby; Andrea Demetriades as Jenny; Charles Grounds as Dean
- **Runtime:** 1h 58m
- **Certificate (ΓΓΤΕ):** Κ-15
- **Release (Greece):** 15 June 2020
- **Genres:** Drama, Comedy, Romance
- **Box office:** $989,310
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qgayhcNRyg

## Where to watch in Greece

Not streaming, renting or buying in Greece at the last check.

Also available in: AT, AU, BE, CA, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, IE, IT, JP, NL, NZ, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role 2020: AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (won)
- AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role 2020: AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (won)
- AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role 2020: AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (won)
- AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role 2020: AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (won)
- AACTA Award for Best Cinematography 2020: AACTA Award for Best Cinematography (nominated)
- AACTA Award for Best Direction 2020: AACTA Award for Best Direction (won)
- AACTA Award for Best Editing 2020: AACTA Award for Best Editing (nominated)
- AACTA Award for Best Film 2020: AACTA Award for Best Film (won)
- AACTA Award for Best Original Music Score 2020: AACTA Award for Best Original Music Score (won)
- AACTA Award for Best Production Design 2020: AACTA Award for Best Production Design (nominated)
- AACTA Award for Best Sound 2020: AACTA Award for Best Sound (nominated)
- Australian Film Institute Award for Best Screenplay 2020: Australian Film Institute Award for Best Screenplay (won)

## If you liked this

- *Fish Tank* (2009), Fi1m 85: Another headstrong teenager whose wish for freedom makes the adults around her uncomfortable. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/fish-tank.md)
- *Harold and Maude* (1971), Fi1m 81: An unlikely romance with morbid humour and a stubborn appetite for living. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/harold-and-maude.md)
- *Girlhood* (2014): For the pleasures and risks of deciding who to become among other people.
- *A Swedish Love Story* (1970): First love observed closely, with adults who have troubles of their own.
- *Our Little Sister* (2015): A quieter family drama that makes affection visible through ordinary shared routines.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/babyteeth