Baby (2018)

Baby is an edgy and engaging Italian television series that first premiered on Netflix in 2018. Inspired by real events, the drama is a loose depiction of the "Baby Squillo" scandal that shocked Rome in 2014. The series delves into the clandestine world of high-class teenage prostitution among the Roman elite.

At the heart of Baby are two teenage protagonists, Chiara Altieri and Ludovica Storti. They live the lives of typical high school students in Rome but behind their seemingly normal daily existence lurks a darker world fueled by desire for autonomy, belonging, and cash. Both come from privileged backgrounds but are driven into this dangerous world for very different reasons. The series artfully depicts their paths from innocence to complicity as they juggle leading double lives.

Chiara, played by Benedetta Porcaroli, is a gifted yet bored student living in the upscale neighborhood of Parioli. She struggles with the loveless marriage of her parents while yearning for excitement and independence. On the other side is Ludovica, portrayed by Alice Pagani, who despite her bubbly personality, grapples with financial difficulties and emotional turbulence at home. These characters provide viewers with dynamic and complex portrayals of teenager's grappling with their coming-of-age frustrations.

In addition to its main characters, Baby boasts a cast of colorful supporting characters. Their lives spectacularly intertwine with Chiara and Ludovica’s, creating a rich tapestry of teenage drama and intrigue. There's Fabio, a manipulative and morally bankrupt individual who pulls Ludovica into Rome’s seedy underworld; Damiano, Chiara's love interest who also carries his own heavy baggage; and Brando, the lovestruck class nerds who aids in propelling the narrative.

While the plot of Baby may feel disconcerting to some due to its controversial subject matter, the series deals with it with a unique balance between finesse and boldness. Rather than glorifying the treacherous path the girls embark upon, Baby emphasizes the grim reality of their ill-advised decisions. The atmosphere of the series is convincingly grim and edgy, reflecting the precarious precipice on which the protagonists walk. Despite the seriousness of its main storyline, Baby is still sprinkled with lighter moments of teenage love, jealousy, and rebellion, ensuring it retains the authenticity of adolescent life.

The vibrant city of Rome acts as a character itself within the series. Its eye-catching architecture, historic streets, and the dichotomy of its modern and traditional elements play a significant backdrop role. The scenic locales in the series reflect the contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of the protagonists and the bleak alleyways of their secret lives.

One important thing to note is that the show's exploration of dark themes such as exploitation and teen prostitution can make for intense viewing at times. That said, the series has been praised for its mature handling of these sensitive issues and for its character development. Each character in Baby isn’t wholly good or bad, which makes their actions and their journeys engaging and, more importantly, humanizing.

On a technical level, Baby impresses with its cinematic aesthetics. The cinematography captures Rome's double-faced nature, enhancing the contrast against the main characters' dual lives. The atmospheric soundtrack is equally impressive with its diverse mix of Italian pop and international tracks that perfectly capture the emotional nuances of each scene.

The delivery of the dialogue, which is in Italian, with English subtitles, adds to the authenticity of the series. The powerful performances by all the actors, particularly Benedetta Porcaroli as Chiara and Alice Pagani as Ludovica, make the viewer’s engagement with the narrative deeper and more compelling.

Throughout its three-season run from 2018 to 2020, Baby maintained its quality and drew in audiences worldwide with its provocative, hard-hitting narrative. Though it courted controversy due to its subject matter, Baby succeeded in starting conversations about the topics it explored.

Overall, Baby is much more than just a controversial teen drama. It brings a unique perspective to the genre, highlighting the complications of teenage life balanced against the striking backdrop of one of Italy's most iconic cities. With excellent performances, clear direction, and a dedicated exploration of character development, Baby is a captivating watch for anyone seeking a series with depth and daring to challenge societal norms.