Laughing Through the Chaos: A New Mom’s Comedy

Ilana Glazer, co-creator of the iconic sitcom Broad City, is on a mission to create films about pregnancy and early parenthood from a female perspective. Her latest project, Babes, is a hilarious and relatable comedy that delves into the surreal and often cringe-worthy aspects of motherhood. The 37-year-old comedian is joined by her co-star Michelle Buteau, who plays her best friend and fellow New Yorker Dawn, a tired and exhausted mother of two.

Glazer, known for her outrageous humor and lovable characters, is making a bold statement about the lack of films that center on the female experience. She began writing Babes in 2021, based on an idea pitched by her agent, Susie Fox. The idea was to explore what would happen if a close single friend unexpectedly became pregnant. Fox didn’t know that Glazer was expecting at the time, and her writing partner Josh Rabinowitz was also expecting.

The duo began gathering crazy stories about pregnancy and motherhood from their social circles, but also wrote from the perspective of the protagonist, Eden. “Having heard you lose some sleep but having no clue how deeply… effortful having children is,” Glazer says, pausing to find the right word. The film is a shining example of hard comedy, with a mantra of “big comedy with big heart. Our north star references were Superbad and Bridesmaids.”

Babes is a product of Glazer’s own experiences and emotions. She acknowledges that the lines between her characters and herself are blurred, but believes that bringing oneself to a role is key to comedic success. “As a forever comedy nerd, you can smell when people are for real or not and truly themselves,” she says.

Glazer’s ascension through the ranks of US comedy is also a testament to her ability to thrive under pressure. She is aware that she has a tendency to overthink and obsess over details, but believes this is where her athleticism and problem-solving skills come in handy. “Broad City was low budget. This is what I’m used to and where my mania and OCD is so effective,” she says.

As a child, Glazer always knew she was funny, but it wasn’t until she began performing comedy that she realized it was a defense mechanism against her social anxiety and insecurity. She is grateful to have found a career that allows her to make people laugh and bring joy to her audiences.

In conclusion, Ilana Glazer’s latest project, Babes, is a hilarious and relatable comedy that sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of women during pregnancy and early parenthood. With her unique voice and perspective, Glazer is paving the way for more female-led comedies that prioritize the female experience.

FAQs

Q: What inspired Ilana Glazer to create Babes?
A: Glazer was inspired by the lack of films that center on the female experience, particularly during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Q: How did Glazer come up with the idea for Babes?
A: The idea was pitched by her agent, Susie Fox, who was imagining what would happen if a close single friend unexpectedly became pregnant.

Q: What was the writing process like for Babes?
A: Glazer and her co-writer, Josh Rabinowitz, began gathering crazy stories about pregnancy and motherhood from their social circles and wrote from the perspective of the protagonist, Eden.

Q: What is the tone of the film?
A: The film is a mix of humor and heart, with a mantra of “big comedy with big heart. Our north star references were Superbad and Bridesmaids.”

Q: How does Ilana Glazer approach comedy?
A: Glazer believes that bringing oneself to a role is key to comedic success and that she has a tendency to overthink and obsess over details, but believes this is where her athleticism and problem-solving skills come in handy.