Infinity Baby (2017) User Reviews (18)

Not So Black and White

[soncoman · 7/10 · 18 April 2017]

Recently screened at the 60th Annual San Francisco International Film Festival, Bob Byington's "Infinity Baby" has all the hallmarks of modern independent film – a quirky concept masking a comment on the modern human condition, crisp (black and white) cinematography, a soundtrack by some hip musician and a cast of indie stalwarts. Combined they make for a film that, at 71 minutes, actually makes you wish it had fleshed out its ideas a bit more.

Set in the not-so-distant future, screenwriter Onur Tukel's quirky concept at play is that through a stem-cell research project gone bad, there are now about a thousand babies running around being "marketed" by a company (Infinity Baby) that never age and can be fed and be expected to poop just once a week. They never grow up. A ha! The same can be said for the film's protagonist Ben, an employee of the company and commitment-phobic guy who dates women just long enough to have his mother disapprove of them and then move on. A side plot involves two other employees of the company looking to make a quick buck by keeping one of the babies for a while, but things fall apart pretty quickly.

The film is on "hold review" so a full critique will have to wait, but there's much to like about this film, beginning with the cast – Kieran Culkin as the man-child, Megan Mullally as his mother, Nick Offerman as the company boss (they're both Executive Producers on the film,) as well as Martin Starr, Kevin Corrigan and Stephen Root.

The film looks good with cinematography by Matthias Grunsky and some retro-editing by Kris Boustedt. The film sounds good with a soundtrack by Aesop Rock. Director Bob Byington has indicated in some interviews that it might be re-edited, so perhaps its interesting premise will be expanded on in future screenings and before its eventual release.

www.worstshowontheweb.com

A potential cult classic

[ScoobySnacks66 · 8/10 · 17 December 2018]

The film is a bit uneven with humour and pacing but it was definitely funny and quite interesting. Acting was very good and I enjoyed the dark comic satire and the implicit examination of apathy in America. Rewarding for lovers of indie film.

Dark comedy, surprisingly thought-provoking

[isabellawaltz · 9/10 · 14 June 2017]

This movie does a great job at balancing absurdist comedy with thought-provoking social commentary. The subject matter explores a near-future society that parodies many highly criticized aspects of our modern world: laziness, mindless subscription, shallowness, etc. However, you won't get bogged down in pressing social messages, it's just really funny. The world is heightened by intriguing cinematography taken from locations in Austin, TX. Great performances from everyone on board, especially Megan Mullally who really shines here. Nick Offerman is hilarious as well, as always.

Lots of jokes without punchlines.

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 3 March 2019]

"Infinity Baby" is a very strange movie and I can undestand why it's a relatively unknown little film. And, the strangest thing about it is that there really isn't much plot...mostly a lot of weird, quirky folks acting strangely. Again and again, there are funny situations which in many cases end with no real laugh or punchline. It's all quite odd...and a film that almost defies description. When it comes to plot, well, you'd think there's going to be one but instead there are just odd situations that ultimately have to do with commitment or a fear of commitment. I didn't really enjoy the picture and wish the plots had been hashed out more and more done with the whole 'Infinity Baby' notion. Strange and DEFINITELY not for all tastes.

A darkly absurd examination of apathy

[kim_smoltz · 7/10 · 15 April 2018]

While not exactly a masterpiece, "Infinity Baby" takes on a social issue that many are too self-conscious to examine for themselves -- when does not caring stop being cool?

Babies that don't age is a funny premise that initially drew me to this film. It's funny and oddly disturbing, and so is "Infinity Baby." Without spoiling what is a slow burn (despite it's tiny 80 minute runtime), I can tell you that the film is absurd and hard to piece together for the first hour or so, and takes a swift and dark turn for its climax.

The characters are wonderfully scripted, and all are memorable (although some roles are much smaller than others). A stellar cast full of energetic actors delivers an overall incredible performance, all while preserving a sense of spontaneity that matches nicely with the film's black-and-white tone. Despite having a plot that seems to be on par with those of "Black Mirror," the film never loses awareness of its own quirk and is consistently funny (although in more of an Andy Kaufman way and less of a Kevin Hart way, if you get me).

Those who enjoy criticism of social issues, absurdism, and who appreciate a slow-burn should definitely check out this film. While not game-changing, it's an enjoyable and brief watch.

An Exercise In Patience

[EggOrChicken · 7/10 · 8 May 2019]

The ending is worth the wait. But, you must endure a bleak depiction of the 21st century dating scene, and a story line that questions the motives of those who have kids for the wrong reasons. A good question, just a little awkwardly put forth. While the movie is a 7, the ending is a 9.

Deftly made, entertaining, sometimes hilarious

[personne106 · 8/10 · 18 April 2017]

I really liked Infinity Baby. After reading that it opened to uproarious laughs, I found the humor somewhat quieter than I was expecting. That said, I saw it in the afternoon on a weekday at SFIFF, so we were probably a less lubricated, tamer crowd.

Kieran Culkin as Ben is great, and every woman in the cast gives a stand-out performance. One of the best tricks of the film is how we watch Trieste Kelly Dunn's character Allison through Ben's warped perspective, and then later see her personality re-framed more objectively. This is in part, thanks to Dunn's acting, though I'm sure it's also in the direction. Having seen it only once, I can't put my finger on how the shift is so palpably realized, but it's fantastic. I'm pretty sure there's no sound effect of a record screeching to a halt in the soundtrack, but that's the feeling that is captured during that scene.

After an intentionally-predictable (and perfect) plot twist, the film hits its stride both in terms of humor and its hints at depth, but then it ends, sooner than you'll want it to. It makes sense that the laughs would build once we're familiar with the world of the movie, but I'm not sure the depth felt earned or explored as much as it could have been.

Nick Offerman is a lovable actor, and while I love watching him as Neo, it also felt to me like he was being brandished like a secret weapon, when this movie didn't need a secret weapon. Everything and everyone around him in Infinity Baby is already strong and held more surprise.

After the screening, I waited in line for the restroom and a man (whom I later confirmed was the critic for Variety) asked me skeptically, "Did you get something from that?" I said an agnostic "I did, yes." He said that the movies make him laugh a bit but don't amount to anything for him. I felt a little tongue-tied, and conveniently the restroom became available just then, so I said "I have many thoughts about this, but I'm going to go to the restroom now."

The main thought I opted not to share with the critic is that my review is biased by an unwieldy crush I have on Bob Byington, whom I met by happenstance last November before I'd ever seen any of his movies.

A funny film

[mruoff · 10 April 2017]

Perhaps I saw a re-edited film. I saw this on April 4 at the WI film festival. The film was funny (and coherent). It was running short at only 70 mins and Bob Byington said he was planning on re-editing it for another showing in San Francisco. I really enjoyed the film. Lots of strong performances by well known actresses / actors. I recommend this film.

A Failed Attempt at Satire

[JustCuriosity · 2/10 · 18 March 2017]

Infinite Baby premiered at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. This local product was a failed attempt to satire something although it wasn't really clear what it was trying to do. The audience seemed confused and befuddled and asked the director – who seemed like he might be drunk – fairly gentle questions, because they didn't seem to know how to break it to him. There was some attempt to make fun of parenting and dating relationships. Some individual scenes were mildly funny and might have worked as SNL sketches. But the screenplay was a mess and the skilled actors couldn't really save it. There is no point in this film being widely released. Back to the drawing board.

Wow!

[classicwatcher_47 · 9/10 · 2 November 2018]

I am actually pretty surprised that this film received such a mediocre score. It should be much more famous. To be clear I had my fair share of trepidation before watching the film and was not expecting to finish it or enjoy it.

But I was sucked in. It is nice and short and to the point. It is funny. It is unique and original. The premise is so simple so as to seem obvious even, but it is one I had never seen before on film or anywhere else.

The only reason I give it nine stars instead of ten was because I do not care for some of the actors in this film and feel they were possibly miscast. Although they all did a decent job in their roles I feel they could have gotten better actors who are not as annoying. I stand by my scoring. It is good.

"Making babies is easy, taking care of them is a punishment."

[marie-ketring · 9/10 · 30 September 2020]

W.T.F.

After seeing this director's last film at SXSW, I thought I'd go back and see his other stuff and goddamn man! This guy lives to make you uncomfortable and still gets you to love every minute! You want to feel bad about laughing and then you kinda just give into it.

You would never want to be legitimate friends with these characters but you would definitely have a beer with them and maybe find a bouncer to walk you to your car afterwards.

This movie is fun and weird and oddly validating. Thanks Infinity Baby.

Indie Gem

[jwrobinson-43078 · 7/10 · 3 April 2018]

This is not necessarily a laugh-out-loud comedy (save for a few moments), but it made for a really entertaining watch. The intriguing premise sets up a quirky, unique world with fascinating and memorable characters. Most viewers were probably drawn to this film because of Nick Offerman, and he did a fabulous job, but the other actors embody their characters so well that Offerman's isn't even the best performance. The writing of this film is great, always pushing the story to exciting and unexpected places. Dialogue was hilarious. I particularly loved the storyline with Kieran Culkin's character Ben, which got better and better as more information was revealed about Ben. I can't think of anything bad to say about this movie. If you're into simple, low-budget indie films, give this one a shot!

Very strange film, see on double bill with Eraserhead

[sfdphd · 4/10 · 14 June 2020]

This is one of the strangest films I've ever seen. I can't recommend it, unless you like very bizarre films. Belongs on a double bill with Eraserhead or The Lobster. If there is a film festival of extremely bizarre films, this one belongs in it.

I suppose it would have been more entertaining if I was high on cannabis. But I suspect this film could trigger a nasty experience if you're tripping on acid. In fact, the film could trigger some disturbing traumatized responses if you have any history with infertility, babies who died, or bad boyfriends who never grew up.

If I could only eat this for the rest of my life, that's OK by me

[zefrey · 8/10 · 8 August 2017]

Infinity Baby was delicious! I saw it at Traverse City Film Festival and a wave of hilarious nausea filled me as I watched Kieran make many of the hellaciously fallacious choices I have made.... sigh, to be a footloose roustabout again...OH! The cinematography had that magical feel of Antonioni, with the clean black and white lines and emotional turmoil underneath. It lent a bedrock to the madness that I found unsettling as well as comforting. And I want to spray bleach in my lover's eyes now.

A Very Solid Cult Film

[desilombardo · 6/10 · 3 April 2018]

The unique premise of babies that don't age is an interesting side plot to provide an effective allegory for the main plot. The performances from the ensemble cast are appropriately dry and very entertaining and the cinematography adds a lot to the quirky yet formal tone. I would recommend this film to anyone in the mood to think. This film is a slow burn, but a very good, very effective slow burn.

Satire of sadness?

[jamalking15 · 4/10 · 6 April 2018]

Scene after scene of American idiocy and simple lack of decorum on the part of pretty much every character. A view of what people become when the refuse to live by standards of conduct or character.

An awkward cold odd film

[mherrin-43253 · 2/10 · 12 June 2018]

Infinity Baby: Directed by Bob Byington and written by Onur Tukel

What did I just watch? I was caught by the idea that lies in the fabric of this film. A company that sells babies that never age. But that's not what this movie is actually about. It's an allegory about a man child who refuses to grow up and why that is a bad thing. It takes what feels like a long time to get to this point.

This movie was shot in crisp black and white. I'm not entirely sure why. I think it might have to do with the cold nature and the awkward absurdity of the premise at large. It has to have this to hook people in because the story is so simplisitic and other than the extra giggly girlfriend, everyone is unlikable. But then again that might be the point.

It has some moments that you have to laugh at because of the ridiculous nature of the story but it still makes you roll your eyes. It will also make you scratch your chin and rub your temples. It is just such an odd movie. Things happen in this movie that will make you say huh assuming of course that you get that far.

I honestly don't know what to make of it. I got the themes it was trying to convey. I got some chuckles out of the ordeal but I can not recommend this one to anyone. I give this movie a D.

Great cast, horrible script

[towelie427 · 4/10 · 13 March 2019]

This movie has all the subtlety of a rhinoceros with vertigo. The plot is just explained to the audience in monologue form, which is made further unnecessary by how painfully simple it is. The male figures are reduced to little more than cavemen flailing their dicks about in an extremely reductionist version of "toxic masculinity" (you'll hear that phrase over and over from anyone who actually enjoyed it). The women are, of course, intelligent and empathetic victims who are just trying to make it in a man's world. It's a 2 hour episode of Ally McBeal with worse dialogue.

To satirize society, you have to include some actual version of society to satirize. This is nothing more than a caricature. A crudely drawn straw-man that is invented and then attacked in the same breath. You can save your money and just ask a 15 year old girl what she thinks about the patriarchy. You might actually get a gram of nuance that way.