Babs

Babs, a 2017 iconic British biopic, invites the audience to delve into the dynamic and colorful life and career of Dame Barbara Windsor, a cherished figure of British stage and soap opera. Directed by Dominic Leclerc, this BBC production stars Samantha Spiro as an older Barbara, while Jaime Winstone and Honor Kneafsey portray the younger versions of this wildly popular actress and performer. Serving as a homage to this larger-than-life figure, the movie is not just an exploration of fame and success, but also a poignant narrative of Barbara's resilience, struggles, and her tireless journey towards finding her place in the world of entertainment.

Samantha Spiro, highly acclaimed for her work in theater and television, delivers a vibrant performance, skillfully encapsulating Windsor's unique twinkle and cheekiness as a mature version of the celebrated actress. Winstone and Kneafsey complement Spiro's portrayal with their representation of Barbara's youthful and developing years. The film also stars Nick Moran who perfectly exudes the charm and charisma of Ronnie Knight, Barbara's first husband.

The narrative unfolds in a unique biopic style that swings back and forth across three timeframes of Windsor's life - her childhood, early career, and her prime acting years. At its core, Babs is essentially a flashback narrative, filled with memories and key moments that helped shape Windsor's explosive persona, infusing it with authenticity. Film director Dominic Leclerc cleverly maneuvers the past within the present, thereby creating more depth to each of the characters and depicting a more profound understanding of Barbara Windsor's distinguished life journey.

The screenplay, penned by Tony Jordan, serves as an extravagant display of Windsor's flair, tenacity, as well as her vulnerabilities and struggles. The audience gets introduced to her humble beginnings – a young girl loved by her domineering and unsupportive father and her free-spirited, somewhat protective mother. Windsor's embedded resilience and spirited sense of humor give her the strength to carve her uncharted path in the entertainment industry, amidst the stormy climate of patriarchal powers.

Stepping into the early years of Babs, the film showcases Barbara's teenage years played by Jaime Winstone, who meticulously emulates the spirit of a young Windsor in her first-ever audition, as she bubbles with raw energy and a burning ambition to make it big. These formative years are crucial, underlining the mounting tension between her and her father, and the beginning of a stemming love-hate relationship that would loom over her for years.

Fast-forwarding to the renowned years of her career, Samantha Spiro steps into the picture and allows the audience to witness the peak of Windsor's career in the challenging yet rewarding world of showbiz. With many notable appearances in Carry On comedies and the enduring soap opera EastEnders, Windsor shines as a bombshell performer who owns every role she plays - unafraid and unabashed.

Nevertheless, Babs does not merely focus on Barbara's stardom. It highlights how Windsor's personal life becomes intertwined in the world of fame. It unravels the harsh parts of stardom, notably addressing her tumultuous relationship with her first husband, Ronnie Knight, and the struggles of fitting into landmark roles. Even in her distinguished years, the shadow of her past continues to lurk, challenging her to confront her decade-old fears and insecurities.

The film expertly focuses on the tension between a person's public persona and their private realities, giving audiences an intimate look at the woman behind the glitzy fascade, and explores her passion for life and audacious resolve.

Babs is a visually gorgeous homage, packed with emotionally charged performances, that will take the audience on a rollercoaster ride through Barbara Windsor's exceptional career. Exploring the stark contrast between her public and private lives, the film gracefully uncovers the ultimate truth about fame—it's not as glittering as it seems. From dealing with difficult relationships to enduring the pressures of stardom, the movie compels the audience to see how the iconic dame Barbara Windsor, though marred by adversities, continues to shine brilliantly under the limelight.