Maybe Baby (2000)

Maybe Baby is that rare romantic comedy that earns its laughs without dodging the ache underneath, treating infertility with a light touch that never feels glib. Hugh Laurie and Joely Richardson make Sam and Lucie instantly worth spending time with—warm, witty, and believable, with chemistry that turns even everyday marital bickering into something tender. The vibe is quintessentially British: charmingly awkward, sharply observed, and quietly moving when it counts, letting humor and heart share the same room. It won’t satisfy anyone craving big, glossy rom-com theatrics, but if you want something sweet, funny, and human-sized, it’s an easy film to fall for.

Maybe Baby is clearly aiming for a warm, modern rom-com about a couple discovering that “having it all” doesn’t include a shortcut to parenthood, and the premise has enough relatability to work. The problem is the execution: the humor often lands with a thud, the tone wobbles between earnest drama and forced comedy, and what should feel heartfelt can come off oddly stiff. The leads don’t always sell the emotional beats, and the supporting cast feels underused, which makes the whole thing drift into familiar, cliché territory. If you like gentle, low-stakes relationship stories and don’t need sharp laughs, you might find it mildly pleasant; if you’re expecting a genuinely funny or emotionally electric rom-com, this is likely a disappointment.