Babies review: Paapa Essiedu and Siobhán Cullen are heartbreaking in another relatability masterclass from Stefan Golaszewski

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

This article discusses sensitive topics like pregnancy loss and miscarriage, which may be upsetting to some readers.

Most dramas have broad appeal, but ‘Babies’ is different. It’s intentionally niche and won’t be everyone’s cup of tea – and that’s perfectly okay.

This show isn’t going to appeal to everyone, and there are two main reasons why. Firstly, it’s a new drama by Stefan Golaszewski, who’s known for realistic and relatable storytelling. I loved his previous series, Marriage, giving it a top rating, and I still think it was brilliant. However, when it aired, a lot of viewers strongly disagreed and didn’t enjoy it.

This show feels very similar in style and rhythm to that other series, so if you didn’t enjoy that one, you probably won’t enjoy this one either.

Another key aspect is its honest and direct portrayal of the difficult topic of repeated pregnancy loss and miscarriage.

This show deals with difficult and potentially upsetting themes, and it’s okay if some viewers find it too intense. But for those who can watch it, I hope it resonates with them, offering a sense of understanding and connection regardless of their personal experiences.

Babies follows Lisa and Stephen, a couple in their thirties, as they navigate the emotional challenges of trying to conceive and cope with the heartbreak of repeated miscarriages.

The show also follows Stephen’s friend Dave, played by Jack Bannon, as he begins a relationship with Amanda, portrayed by Charlotte Riley. Dave is completely infatuated with Amanda, but it quickly becomes clear she comes from a different background and has a very different outlook on life – one shaped by her own past experiences.

When Stephen and Dave face personal challenges, their friendship is strained at a time when they really need support from each other.

While ‘Marriage’ consisted of just four episodes, ‘Babies’ has six. This longer length feels justified in some ways, but ultimately might have been unnecessary.

The series tackles an important topic that would benefit from its length, but unfortunately, the last two episodes aren’t as strong.

The sixth episode features a visual choice that doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the show, even though the attempt to create drama is understandable. It feels jarring and doesn’t quite work aesthetically.

The fifth episode really focuses on a running theme: how Stephen and Dave use jokes and playful teasing to hide what they’re truly feeling.

The show works well at first, but the conversations become increasingly dull. While a scene of Stephen and his father sharing a lot of laughter – even if it’s over something silly – connects to the show’s themes, it feels a little forced, which is unusual for a series that normally feels very genuine.

I addressed all my concerns about the movie ‘Babies’ right away, because those issues almost prevented me from giving it a perfect rating. Now that’s out of the way, I can talk about everything the movie does well – and there’s plenty to praise.

Fans of Golaszewski won’t be surprised to learn his latest series is completely down-to-earth and relatable.

It’s not about what the movie is about, honestly. I think the emotional stuff between the main characters feels really real and relatable. But what really gets to me is the little details – the way people actually act and talk in everyday life. The movie is filled with those incredibly specific, human moments in every single conversation and interaction, and that’s what makes it so captivating.

Honestly, as a movie fan, I’m always looking for relatable moments, and with Lisa and Stephen, they’re everywhere. Whether they’re just chatting, having a disagreement, or hanging out with friends, I find myself constantly thinking, ‘Wait, I’ve been there!’ If you’re not seeing pieces of your own life reflected in their story, I’m genuinely surprised.

I don’t think Golaszewski is spying on me with a camera; it seems like he’s noticed something that applies to everyone, not just my personal habits.

Honestly, while watching this, I couldn’t help but see bits of people I know – or even myself! – in each of the main characters. It was strangely relatable, and I kept thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s exactly how so-and-so would react,’ or even, ‘Wait, am I like that?’

The film tackles a delicate topic with both sensitivity and genuine emotional power. It’s filled with moving moments and offers a real understanding of the difficult emotions people face when going through similar experiences.

While babies are a central theme, the series explores much more than just infancy. It also delves into parenthood, adult friendships, the challenges of getting older, societal pressures, emotional restraint in men, and the complexities of communication – but at its heart, it’s a show about all kinds of relationships.

The genuine connections between the characters make every scene – whether it’s a casual conversation between Stephen and Dave at the pub, a quick chat between Lisa and Stephen, or a deeply emotional moment as the main couple processes their feelings – feel equally powerful and meaningful.

It’s no surprise to say that Essiedu is a talented actor. I was impressed by his performance in Hamlet at the RSC back in 2016, and recognized his potential even then.

But in this role, he’s truly outstanding, delivering a performance that might be the best of his career. Stephen has always hidden any inner struggles with humor and a strong outer shell.

He’s fantastic in every scene, and he’s perfectly matched by Cullen, a talented actress who deserves more attention for her performance. She’s incredibly expressive and makes the character relatable and understandable, even when she’s at her worst.

As Lisa and Stephen’s relationship evolves, their actions always feel true to who they are – like a natural progression of their connection.

Jack Bannon delivers a compelling performance as Dave, managing to be both frustrating and relatable. Charlotte Riley faces the challenge of making Amanda a sympathetic character, despite her likely being controversial, and succeeds thanks to her talent. Amanda is refreshingly direct, often speaking her mind, though sometimes she goes a bit too far.

Look, a few other characters pop up around these four main people, but honestly, the movie really zeroes in on them. It’s a film that demands you pay attention – it’s got a lot going on underneath the surface, and it wants you to really get it.

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While the six-part series Babies features some very difficult and upsetting scenes, and definitely explores some dark themes, it’s not consistently bleak or depressing to watch. It’s important to remember that despite the challenging content, it’s not entirely grim.

Despite dealing with tough subjects, the work is ultimately encouraging. It includes truly funny scenes, inspiring insights, and helpful advice for getting through hard times, along with smart observations about people and how we act.

Wow, after finishing it, the biggest thing that stuck with me was how much we all need to be more open with our feelings. It’s amazing that a show with so much heartache could still deliver such a positive message. Though, honestly, I was a little disappointed with how things wrapped up towards the end – it didn’t quite stick the landing for me.

For information and support, please visit Tommy’s or The Mariposa Trust.

I’m excited to share that the new series, Babies, will be airing on BBC One on Monday, March 30th at 9pm! If you can’t catch it live, don’t worry – the whole series will be available on iPlayer from 6am that same day. I’ve already set a reminder!

Keep up with the latest on ‘Babies’ by adding it to your watchlist on the TopMob ‘What to Watch’ app! Download now to get daily TV recommendations and exclusive features.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, an international TV production company. He has a BA degree in English and Theatre Studies, and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-03-27 03:36