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"Side-splitters" may be a more appropriate title, at least for the parents in the audience. Riffing on the conversations many adults have likely had when determining the right time to have children, Babysplitters turns a shocking decision into something relatable. The characters' solution feels in step with how Millennials have disrupted many social norms with a practical, self-oriented approach. So writer-director Sam Friedlander takes that concept further, rethinking the childbearing process into something that might not seem like a such an outlandish or bad idea -- but then proving why a "timeshare baby" is a terrible idea in a way that's terribly funny.

While their idea is half-baked, the characters are fully drawn, and every action they take comes out of the truth of who they are -- even some of the more ridiculous characters, like Jeff's hip skateboarding boss and a Tindr-swiping fertility doctor. They're all good folks with human flaws who are just doing their best. While being able to afford a baby is a concern, no one here is materialistic. In fact, Jeff is an executive at a farm-to-table company, but he dreams of working in the fields to grow produce. And Emily is a parking enforcement officer -- it's not a job she loves, but it's work she takes pride in. This type of occupation is rarely (if ever) portrayed in the media in a positive light, and Friedlander's inclusion is the kind of thing that's needed to start changing the tone society takes when assuming certain jobs are "undesirable." The same can be said for the main characters' communication skills. While they sound like everyone else, at times making snide comments or calling each other out, they actually communicate really well. No one is weak, they advocate for their beliefs, and they solve problems through respect, understanding, and compromise -- in the funniest of ways.

-Common Sense Media

“Sam Friedlander delivers a cute, charming indie comedy about what happens when two couples decide to join forces in raising a baby together.
Good friends often split restaurant checks, but can they split child-raising duties? That’s the catchy premise of writer-director Sam Friedlander’s outrageous comedy “Babysplitters,” which earned the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema at the Santa Barbara film fest. Combining the DNA of “She’s Having a Baby” and “Indecent Proposal,” Friedlander’s audacious hook is sure to spur thought-provoking discussions about its progressive parenting ideas. The trials and travails of impending parenthood are captured through Friedlander’s highly comedic filter, giving birth to enough dazzling wit to sustain the gimmick.”

-Variety

“The initial concept — two neurotic couples decide to share parental responsibilities by creating a child via a partner swap — sounds contrived and too silly. But director/writer Sam Friedlander brings uncomfortable humor, along with genuine pathos, unexpected depth and surprising compassion, to the topic. The cast — Danny Pudi, Emily Chang, Eddie Alfano and Maiara Walsh — is dynamite.”

-The Mercury News

“Writer-director Sam Friedlander’s refreshingly upbeat comedy sets its sights on the ambiguity couples often have over whether or not to have kids. Presenting itself as something of a modernized screwball comedy, with lots of awkward and uncomfortable gags, as well as shrewdly observed commentary on progressive parenting tactics, Babysplitters is undoubtedly one of the funniest, and most compassionate indie comedies of the year. Sharp, satisfying, and funny as hell. Recommended.” ★★★★

-Taste of Cinema

“Babysplitters gets its comedy right. Go with the somewhat far-fetched concept, get past the overt sentimentality, and you’ll find a true crowd-pleaser. Full of warmth, insight and just enough bite to keep you on edge, Babysplitters will have your sides splitting with laughter.”

-Film Threat

“Comedies about parenthood are a popular premise. Whether it is an impending baby or being new parents, there is a lot of comedy to mine. Babysplitters takes both ideas and melds them in an outrageously funny and surprisingly sweet film.”

-Nathaniel Muir, AIPT

“Roger Ebert wrote in a 1992 review of Memoirs of an Invisible Man that ‘comedy consists of the application of logic to the absurd.’ He doesn’t give Memoirs enough credit for doing just that, but it’s a great definition of comedy. Babysplitters applies logic to Jeff’s absurd concept.”

-Fred Topel, Cheat Sheet

“Hidden within all the humor and fun of Babysplitters is an incredibly mature meditation on life and morality. As mentioned previously, the film very thoughtfully turns over the circumstances of both couples. It’s not simply played for shenanigans. It’s refreshing to see a film consider its characters as well established and reasonable people, within a genre that is almost exclusively defined by inexperience and optimism. Babysplitters understands and speaks to the practical matters that many of us weigh alongside our personal wishes. Further, it defines love and support as a willingness to sort through those differences together. The result is a sweetness that goes beyond the cute couples and the comedy. Beautifully done.

Babysplitters is energetic and incredibly funny, but it’s the warmth and sincerity that lingers. Don’t sleep on this one.”

-Cait Kennedy

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