Babies Review: Kendrick and Rogen Star in Lighthearted Childlessness Comedy

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) opened its 2026 program with a new comedy‑drama that turns the age‑old question of parenthood on its head. “To Be a Parent or Not to Be a Parent” – a riff on Judd Apatow’s classic – is written and directed by Lauren Miller Rogen, who uses the film to explore the societal pressure that couples still face when asked, “Are you going to have kids?” The feature follows a contemporary couple navigating the decision, while the narrative is framed by the film’s own meta‑commentary on the modern parenting debate.

Miller Rogen, known for her work on “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “The Wedding Ringer,” brings a sharp, comedic sensibility to the subject. The film’s cast includes a mix of emerging actors and seasoned performers, with Miller Rogen’s own husband, actor‑producer Seth Rogen, appearing in a cameo that underscores the personal nature of the story. Critics at the festival noted the film’s balance of humor and honesty, noting that it reframes the question not as a binary choice but as a complex conversation about identity, career, and personal values in a culture that still equates parenthood with fulfillment.

While the film’s premiere at TIFF has generated buzz among audiences and critics alike, its broader impact will be seen when it reaches wider distribution later this year. “To Be a Parent or Not to Be a Parent” offers a timely reflection on the evolving expectations of family life, positioning itself as both a comedic take and a thoughtful commentary on the choices that define modern adulthood.