Baby Ruby


Baby Ruby is a 2022 American psychological horror-thriller film written and directed by Bess Wohl, in her directorial debut. It stars Noémie Merlant, Kit Harington, and Meredith Hagner.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2022. It was released on February 3, 2023, by Magnet Releasing.
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Plot

Jo is a lifestyle influencer. Her relationship with Spencer strengthens as they wait for the couple's first baby. After the birth of the baby, named Ruby, Jo's successful world begins to fall apart as she suffers postpartum psychosis. Jo begins to behave aggressively and doubtfully, although she receives support from Shelly, a neighbor who claims to be a mother even though she refuses to show her supposed baby to others. Jo becomes suspicious of the intentions of Shelly and everyone around her as she tries to protect her baby, who is also seen by Jo as being hostile.

Cast

Release

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2022. Shortly after, Magnet Releasing acquired US distribution rights to the film. It was released on February 3, 2023.

Reception

In a review for San Francisco Chronicle, Bob Strauss wrote: "Playwright Bess Wohl’s feature-directing debut is a sly, mutant meld of horror thriller, feminist satire and subjective, postpartum paranoia study. It’s serious about how the demands of baby care can overwhelm, and skeptical of societal pressures on women to not just accept but love motherhood’s burdens." Guy Lodge of Variety called the portrayal of mental breakdown after a traumatic childbirth "evocative and appropriately aggravating", and cited Merlant's portrayal of "agonized internal plight" as a factor in keeping the audience "emotionally rooted" in the film.