Stefan Golaszewski's 'Babies' Drama Explores the Silent Grief of Miscarriage
Stefan Golaszewski, the acclaimed creator behind beloved BBC sitcoms Him & Her and Mum, has ventured into profound new territory with his latest series, Babies. This beautifully crafted drama tackles the often-unspoken terror and cruelty of miscarriage, drawing from Golaszewski's personal experiences while maintaining his signature style of intense social realism.
A Deep Dive into Personal and Societal Struggles
Starring Siobhán Cullen and Paapa Essiedu as Lisa and Stephen, a married couple in their mid-30s, Babies opens with them en route to a family gathering. However, Lisa's immediate flight from the pub upon seeing Stephen's cousin's new baby reveals a deeper trauma: the couple has recently suffered their first miscarriage. The series meticulously portrays their isolation, as they grapple with grief that friends and family fail to understand, forcing them to rely solely on each other in often clumsy and inadequate ways.
For Cullen, who is best known for the Irish comedy-drama The Dry, working on Babies was an eye-opening experience. She notes that miscarriage is a subject at the forefront for many in her age group, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. "It's crazy to me that I had come this far without knowing so much," she reflects, emphasizing how the show sheds light on the widespread but hidden pain of baby loss. The drama underscores the societal clumsiness in discussing such sensitive topics, where off-the-cuff comments can deeply wound those living through personal turmoil.
Golaszewski's Personal Connection and Creative Vision
Golaszewski wrote the script years after his own experience with baby loss, though he stresses that Babies is not autobiographical. "That experience isn't something I'd seen reflected [on TV] and it isn't something that people talk about," he explains. He attributes the silence around miscarriage to its association with death, which is inherently difficult to discuss, compounded by a societal tendency to medicalize the issue. Golaszewski suggests that if miscarriage had historically affected men's bodies, it might hold a more prominent place in public discourse.
The series also explores themes beyond the central couple's marriage, delving into dysfunctional male friendships. Stephen's relationship with his odious schoolmate Dave, played by Jack Bannon, is depicted through reams of witless banter that mask deeper emotional voids. Essiedu likens their friendship to "old milk on the turn," highlighting the show's critique of male vulnerability and communication failures.
Artistic Dedication and Emotional Impact
Essiedu, renowned for his role in I May Destroy You and upcoming as Snape in HBO's Harry Potter reboot, was eager to join the project due to his admiration for Golaszewski's previous work. He describes the script as "just extraordinary" and notes the meticulous attention to detail in filming, where every line, including ums and likes, is precisely scripted. This painstaking approach enhances the naturalism that Golaszewski is known for, aiming to build an emotional connection with the audience.
Stylistically, Babies has a unique quality that seeps directly into your mind's eye, making everyday actions feel immersive and poignant. Golaszewski even composed and performed the theme tune, a sweet indie ballad that adds to the emotional depth, despite initial plans for dance music. He hopes the series will broaden conversations about miscarriage, noting that increased media openness can help alleviate the isolation felt by those experiencing baby loss.
Babies premieres on BBC One and iPlayer, offering a raw and necessary exploration of grief, silence, and the human condition.
