Originally debuting back in January at the Tromsø International Film Festival, and then at the Berlinale in March, Yngvild Sve Flikke’s wonderful, truly unique comedic drama finds its way to SXSW where we finally get a chance to catch it, and boy are we glad we did. Combining live action and clever hand-drawn animation, Ninjababy is a true find, a thoroughly enjoyable piece that’ll have you howling with laughter and grabbing the tissues in equal measure.
The film revolves around the character of Rakel (Kristine Kujath Thorp), a young woman living a twenty-something life in contemporary Norway. She lives with Ingrid (Tora Christine Dietrichson), enjoys getting pissed and flirting with drugs, and enjoying the odd one-night stand here and there. Dragged along to an aikido class with Ingrid, Rakel suddenly realises that she has actually slept with the main instructor, but this awkward situation isn’t the most serious at hand. She’s all of a sudden got bigger boobs – which Ingrid notices in the changing rooms beforehand, she desperately needs a poo but can’t – this is outlined in detail post-class, and has a growing need to down litres and litres of fruit juice. The obvious becomes apparent after taking a pregnancy test back at her apartment, an event which coincides with Rakel being asked out by said aikido instructor, Mos (Nader Khademi), who is most definitely the father as he is the only person she’s shacked up with in the recent weeks.
There are further plot developments which are best left alone to be enjoyed as the film goes on, but let’s just say that the narrative throws Rakel further curveballs as the pregnancy continues.
Ninjababy is laced with universally hilarious humour – laugh out loud funny in places and extremely enjoyable. The use of animation is used effectively and amusingly as the fetus continues to grow complete with audible thoughts on how he is feeling and what his future mother should do. This is played out to hilarious effect – think Knocked Up meets Look Who’s Talking and you’re kind of on the right course. But, indeed Ninjababy is so brilliantly unique and more comedic than both of those films, notably due to the performance of Kristine Thorp who really delivers the funnies through both dialogue and looks and glances as Rakel. Thorp also delivers some truly tender moments, including a heart-thumping final third, her character going through so many emotions, it’s difficult not to get caught up with her situation.
There are supporting players who also offer wonderful turns, a notably stand-out being Khademi as the meek aikido instructor Mos, and also Arthur Berning as the brilliantly nicknamed ‘Dick Jesus’, a layabout former conquest of Rakel’s whose future is also about to change for good.
A tight screenplay and some wonderful editing make the 100+ minutes fly by. There are huge twists along the way – such as life itself, maybe – that you really don’t know where you’ll be taken next narratively, and that’s also part of its unique charm.
Ninjababy is the kind of film that you hope to discover at a film festival – a true gem that you can’t wait to tell everyone about. It’s a feature with universal appeal; one of the best films we’ve seen on the circuit all year and one which should be the top of everyone’s list to see. Heartfelt, tender and sweet joy to watch from start to finish.
Ninjababy was reviewed at the SXSW Film Festival 2021l
Ninjababy
Summary
A very funny but also heartfelt feature; a joy to watch from start to finish.
