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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
From where did the Baby from The Baby originate? Why and how did it get the way it is today? The fifth episode of Lucy Gaymer and Siân Robins-Grace’s HBO/ Sky horror-comedy limited series is titled, “The Baby”. It is written by Kara Smith, with Faraz Shariat back on the director’s chair.
In this review, I will be discussing The Baby Episode 5. There will be no spoilers here, as the title of this article suggests. Nonetheless, please read ahead at your own discretion to avoid any possible revelations.
Plot Synopsis
According to WarnerMedia’s pressroom, here is the logline for The Baby Episode Five—“The Baby”.
As Natasha (Michelle de Swarte) and Mrs. Eaves (Amira Ghazalia) remain trapped in Barbara’s (Sinéad Cusack) summer solstice ritual, the baby’s complicated origin, connection to Mrs. Eaves (Amira Ghazalia), and trauma-filled path to Natasha are revealed.
WarnerMedia Pressroom
Discussion
NOTE: It should be known that I got to view the first six out of eight episodes of The Baby early two times before the publication of this article. This will be my third time having seen the episode.
At thirty-three and a half minutes, The Baby strips itself of the comedy and veers towards horror and dramatic territory. Following last week’s episode, we get an even better episode, the middle of three strong ones to be specific. (I have yet to see the final two episodes of the miniseries; although, we’ll get there when we get there, or at the very least, I’ll tease that next week.)
The Baby has featured primarily female characters; and even the male characters are relegated to secondary or cameo roles. I believe this is important so as to not take away from the main focus, which is that the Baby (Albie Pascal Hills and Arthur Levi Hills) is cursed with its search for a mother figure. Smith’s depiction of conservative individuals in this episode is authentic and quite frightening, especially in the way Jack (Karl Davies) is written. I love the pace that the episode progresses in, and there are just no moments that fall behind as a weak link.
It also crucial to take note of Wheeler’s cinematography as well as the music team’s work on the score and sound design. Heartbeats are everything, and that’s just one of many elements to take note of. One scene I would provide a sample of is the progression of Helen’s (Tanya Reynolds) time at home. There is a feeling of uneasiness as we witness she is in a place where she does not belong.
The Patriarch
“The Baby” is too much a mirror reflection of what women in modern-day societies face: men in control of the feminine body so as to forward men’s own agenda. The Baby turns body politics into a horror narrative that just makes sense here, similar to what we’ve seen in, say, Rosemary’s Baby. The patriarchal machine is indeed terrifying, and there is so much that I find wrong with the adult males of the episode that my dislike for them multiply the more times I watch it play out.
In contrast, the “lesbian” party is incredible. There are women who do their own thing and live life without men telling them what to do. They make the episode feel bearable. One instance I can call upon is the actual party that is thrown at one point. So much happens here, but the noteworthy part of the episode involves the cause that they are fighting for and how they combat those ideals. Telling men to “piss off” might be one thing that I found comedic about the episode.
The Crew of The Baby
The Baby is created by Lucy Gaymer and Siân Robins-Grace.
Lucy Gaymer serves as the producer of the limited series. Naomi de Pear, Jane Feathersome, Carolyn Strauss, Siân Robins-Grace, and Nicole Kassell serve as the executive producers. Katie Carpenter serves as the co-executive producer, while Emma Parsons is the co-producer.
Aisha Bywaters serves as the casting director, while Irene Waireri serves as the casting assistant. Ben Wheeler serves as the episode’s director of photography. Adam Biskupski serves as the editor.
Lucrecia Dalt composes the music for the show, while Peter Saville and Zoë Ellen Bryant serve as the music supervisors. Ed Hamilton serves as the music editor.
Paulina Rzeszowska is the production designer. PC Williams serves as the costume designer, while Misty Dee Griffiths is the assistant costume designer. Heather Pitchford serves as the hair and make-up designer; while Leanne White and Serena Grace-Horn are the hair and make-up artists.
Charles De La Mare serves as the art director; while Mea Carter is the assistant art director. Rachel Garlick and Rob Pybus serve as the storyboard artists. Poppy Luard is the set decorator. Sara Farrell and Kitty Katalina Lyons-Walker serve as the assistant decorators.
The Cast of The Baby
Albie Pascal Hills and Arthur Levi Hills play the titular baby of the show.
Tanya Reynolds appears as Helen, the mother of the Baby. David Burnett plays Fred, while Karl Davies plays Jack, Helen’s partner. Eleanor Barrett plays Judy, the Baby’s nanny.
David Cann plays Avery, while Seyan Sarvan plays Nour. Imarn Ayton plays Glodean. Jessica Gopisingh plays Sonia. Jessica Whitehurst plays Bessie. Keshini Misha plays Asha. Benjamin Atori plays Mikey. Anjelica Serra plays Lin.
Alexis Tuttle plays Heather. Jessica Murrain plays Jeanette. Peter Clements plays a police officer, while David Kerr plays a doctor.
Performances and Character Developments
Reynolds is marvelous as Helen. She is a character who can be sweet and never raises her voice; even when she tries to raise her voice, she does not, at least, not in the way she thinks she is. I empathize in the fact that she is a victim to the events of the episode. I do not see her connection to the titular character other than the fact that she serves as the mother who delivered the Baby. Additionally, she has a lovely dynamic with Nour (Seyan Sarvan) and I adore that, even though that only lasts in this one episode.
The younger Eaves is a mighty fine character. She embodies a lot of what we see in the modern-day Mrs. Eaves, but in this episode, we do see that she has a heart and will do what it takes to make sure everyone gets what they deserve. Opposite Jack, I found her to be someone that Helen can be herself with. Unfortunately, I was hoping we get just a little more of her backstory as well, since a lot of episode maintains a focus on Helen and the creation of the Baby.
Final Thoughts on This Week’s Episode of The Baby
“The Baby” serves as a potent fifth episode of the series. I do not want to say too much so as to avoid mansplaining, but I would argue this is my favorite of the show thus far. The cinematography is well-framed, the writing is worthy of merit, and the music is as good as always. This is not one to miss out on.
Stay tuned with next week’s episode. While this week has a Rosemary’s Baby-type story, next week will enter a territory akin to a certain Stephen King tale.
The Baby is now airing on HBO and Sky!
Have you seen this limited series yet? If so, what will you be expecting? Let us know! For more comedy and horror-related news and reviews visit and follow The Cinema Spot on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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