TV Shows We Love: Baby

This is the journey of two widely different teenage girls in search of their own identity who somehow find themselves involved with a dangerous part of Rome’s nightlife.

The three-season series is loosely based on the real-life horror story of two girls aged 14 and 15 from the Paroli district who became sex workers so they could buy luxury products back in 2013. The scandal uncovered dozens of girls who were part of the underage prostitution ring and led to the arrest of their pimps and some clients.

In the show, Chiara and Ludovica crave a secret life to distract them from their own troubled daily routine. Ludovica, portrayed by Alice Pagani, lives with her single mother who is implied to have had a long list of ex-lovers. Ludo then meets a man with connections to prostitution. She soon introduces Chiara, a blonde ‘angel’ from a rich family, played by Benedetta Porcaroli, to the ring. Together they form a problematic connection through their double life which they must hide from the rest of their schoolmates.  

Of course, viewers can comfort themselves with the thought that the actresses are consenting adults.

Despite controversial reviews suggesting the show romanticises children’s sexual exploitation, the Italian teen drama brought public attention to an uncomfortable issue most try to hide under the carpet. It certainly has a shocking element to it, but can also serve as a warning to parents about the realities of the dangers threatening youths.

But even if the plot doesn’t pick your interest, I still encourage you to listen to the soundtrack. Released on November 30, 2018, Baby was created for Netflix and features an incredible variety of artists. My personal favourite has to be Wasting My Young Years by London Grammar – a voice bound to give you the goosebumps.