Written and directed by Lonzo Bentley, I Love You, Baby follows William (Nate Memba), a gay African-American teen. He has sights on attending college, specifically entering a film program there, but his abusive mother, Bernice (Andrea Parson), has shot his confidence. She’s been berating him and for years been telling William that he is stupid, ugly, and good for nothing. How can William feel like he’s good enough to have a boyfriend or smart enough to attend higher education when raised in such an environment?
The 20-minute runtime is split into snapshots, little vignettes if you will, of William’s life. Sometimes Bernice is being supportive, or at least genial. Unfortunately, far too often, she is abusive and cruel. When pouring his heart out to his boyfriend Tim (Patrick Zhang), William’s issues are deeper than first realized but also relatable. That relatability is key to the themes’ resonance because even though these things are specific to William, others have experienced similar issues.
“She’s been berating him and for years been telling William that he is stupid, ugly, and good for nothing.“
Memba is excellent as the frustrated, self-loathing lead. His anger feels authentic, as does his disgust with himself. Parson is amazing and despicable as the lady who should’ve never become a mother. She’s never a cartoon, constantly feeling real, making her even more vile. Zhang only has one scene, but he’s pretty good.
I Love You, Baby is about some heavy topics but mines the gravity of the situation for authentic, though uncomfortable emotions. The cast is excellent, and the ending is profound. Bentley is looking at a long career should he keep making films this raw and realistic.
For more information, visit the I Love You, Baby Instagram page.
"…the cast is excellent..."
