Casa de los Babys

REVIEW
A rather off-putting title will most likely prevent casual viewers from giving this film a chance, but fans of writer-director Sayles, as well as fans of absorbing low-key ensemble pieces, should definitely make time for this involving drama. A disparate group of women bide their time in a Mexican hotel (run by Moreno), waiting out a convoluted, frustrating infant adoption process. In good form here, Sayles relies on his keen ear for dialogue, and brings his customary political eye to focus as the events from both the foreigners' and locals' perspectives are seen. All the performances are excellent (particularly Gyllenhaal and Hannah), and the local flavor and atmosphere are spot-on. There's almost no story, and little dramatic thrust (thus Babys is not nearly in the same league as Sayles' Lone Star), but the compelling characters and unusual setting and premise hold one's interest throughout.