Babyteeth

Shannon Murphy creates a very affecting film with "Babyteeth," a quiet exploration of adolescence and the uncertainty of life. She makes her way through these imperfect characters' lives as they try to deal with the situations that are unfairly complicated put in front of them the best way they can. The camera lingers in an intimate and delicate way at times. It's a strangely hopeful and optimistic film despite its overall story. The film could have easily judged certain characters, but instead, there's such carefulness given to each person that you're left fully at the mercy of the story being told and accepting all the character flaws and all. There's an inevitable feeling that makes every moment bittersweet. The whole cast is phenomenal and pitch-perfect, displaying so much in every scene. It's harsh, affirming, and heartbreaking.