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Channelling the urban restlessness and vibrancy of São Paulo, filmmaker Caetano's unflinching drama focuses on those who live on the fringes of an ever-changing metropolis. Recently released from juvenile prison, 18-year-old Wellington (the actor João Pedro Mariano) faces a critical turning point; abandoned by his parents, the wide-eyed young man discovers refuge in the arms of others.

On an night on the town with his rowdy group of gay and non-binary friends, Wellington crosses paths with Ronaldo (Ricardo Teodoro), a muscular, charming hustler more than twice his age. Bathed in the wavering neon of a adult movie theater, their initial encounter is physical and passionate, with an tinge of peril. Ronaldo swiftly initiates Wellington to the shadowy world of sex work and selling drugs.

A Study of Understanding Rather Than Sensationalism

The director portrays Wellington’s new life of crime with compassionate understanding as opposed to as a sensationalist cautionary tale. Now using the alias Baby, he approaches his transactional encounters with brash fearlessness and touching naivety. To his clients, Wellington provides not just his youth and his body, but also instances of tenderness.

In the hectic energy of São Paulo, overflowing with busy lanes and vibrant storefronts, there’s a deep-seated solitude, as rootless people cling on to one another for temporary happiness.

"The city are riddled with risk, yet they are the place where they can discover chosen kin, too."

A Complex Relationship of Affection and Power

Ronaldo is at once a romantic interest and a protective father figure to Wellington, but their relationship is derailed by envy and monetary insecurity. Threats from dubious individuals in the shadow economy pale in comparison to the anxiety about state surveillance and imprisonment, epitomized by the constant sight of police officers in the area.

Baby is especially potent as a keen observation of the forgotten souls who have been failed by the social system. The film stands as a moving examination into survival, chosen family, and the search for identity within a demanding urban landscape.