The Babysitters (2008)

The Babysitters is the kind of suburban drama that sneaks up on you: it looks like a provocative setup, then steadily reveals a sharper, sadder portrait of desire, money, and the quiet bargains people make when they feel trapped. Director David Ross keeps the tone cool and observational, letting the tension come from glances, small choices, and the way a seemingly “clever” idea curdles into something more unsettling. Katherine Waterston is the movie’s secret weapon—beguiling and guarded at once, she plays Shirley with enough intelligence and menace to make you lean in even when you don’t want to approve of what you’re watching. It’s not for everyone, especially given the disturbing sexual material and R-rated edge, but if you’re drawn to morally thorny dramas that flirt with satire without turning into a lecture, it’s a gripping, uneasy watch.

The Babysitters is clearly trying to be a provocative coming-of-age drama about power, money, and the ways adults fail teenagers, and it does have a cool, detached indie tone that hints at something sharper. The problem is it often plays like it’s leaning on its taboo premise for momentum, without doing the character work needed to make Shirley’s choices feel believable or emotionally coherent. The plotting can feel uneven and occasionally sloppy, so instead of building tension it can come off as cynical and a bit exploitative, especially given the subject matter and the R-rated sexual content involving teens. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, responsible exploration of these dynamics, this may leave you feeling grimy rather than enlightened—but if you can handle uncomfortable material and are curious about Katherine Waterston’s early work, there are moments that land.