Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick Star in Lauren Miller Rogen’s Personal TIFF Debut, 'Babies'

Key points

• The comedy-drama 'Babies' premiered at TIFF on September 12, 2026, and is slated for a 2027 theatrical release.
• The film stars Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen as a married couple, Annie and Aaron, who are deciding whether to have children.
• The plot is inspired by a real-life event where a friend and her daughter moved in with the Rogens for a year.
• The movie also addresses the impact of Miller Rogen’s mother’s early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which led to the couple founding the Hilarity for Charity nonprofit.
• Critics and cast members describe the film as a 'warm, wise' and 'honest' look at childless adulthood and chosen family.

Background

This is the directorial debut for Lauren Miller Rogen, who previously co-wrote 'For a Good Time, Call...' (2012). The Rogen couple has been open about their choice to remain child-free, a topic that has frequently drawn media attention. Their nonprofit, Hilarity for Charity, was established in 2012 to support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that claimed Miller Rogen’s mother in 2020.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the film's 'bravery' and 'honesty' in exposing the couple's private life, with Seth Rogen calling it 'shocking how personal it is.' Vanity Fair highlights the 'will-they-won't' dynamic and the vulnerability required by Anna Kendrick to portray a character more emotionally evolved than herself. Deadline focuses on the film's 'witty' and 'heartfelt' tone, praising the ensemble cast including Kate Berlant and Dan Stevens, and noting the film's balanced critique of parenthood. All outlets agree on the film's strong personal connection to the director and star.

Why it matters

The film offers a rare, non-conflict-driven portrayal of a healthy marriage in Hollywood, challenging the traditional narrative that couples must be in crisis to be interesting. It also provides a nuanced perspective on the growing cultural shift toward choosing to remain child-free, moving beyond the typical 'knocked up' pregnancy plot to explore the internal and external pressures of that decision.

What to watch

The film is scheduled to hit theaters in 2027. Audiences will be able to see the full ensemble, including Issa Rae, Dan Stevens, and Zach Cherry, as they navigate the realities of parenthood and chosen family.