Down Will Come Baby (1999)

Down Will Come Baby Poster

Leah Garr wants to move from Phoenix to take a new job in Denver to help her family (Husband Marcus and Daughter Robin). When Robin goes to camp to give her parents time to sort things out, something unexpected occurs. On Robin's return from camp she finds out her mom is taking the new job in Denver, only returning each weekend to visit. During this turmoil in Robin's life, A new lady, Dorothy, befriends Robin, moves into the same apartment complex and spends a lot of time with her and her father Marcus. Leah is concerned about this because she does not know very much about Dorothy or her intentions. It soon becomes clear that Dorothy is after much more than friendship with the Garr family.

Film Summary
"Down Will Come Baby" is an American mystery/drama television movie directed by Gregory Goodell and launched in 1999. Set within a thriller backdrop, it delves into an intricate web of maternal relationships, guilt, sorrow, and control.

Main Cast and Characters
Its leading cast consists of Meredith Baxter, who depicts Leah Garr, and Diana Scarwid, who plays Gayle Bennett. The story also revolves around other vital characters - Trot Fenell played by Tom Amandes, Robin Garr represented by Kyla Pratt, and Amelia depicted by Evan Rachel Wood.

Plot
The film opens with Leah Garr (Meredith Baxter) and her partner, Trot Fenell (Tom Amandes), struggling to handle the loss of their daughter due to a terrible drowning mishap. The couple's surviving child, Robin Garr (Kyla Pratt), blames herself for her sis's death, additional adding to the family's sorrow.

Amidst this regrettable scenario, the household crosses courses with an enigmatic woman, Gayle Bennett (Diana Scarwid). Bennett runs a summertime camp, "Camp Harmony", where the Garrs choose to send Robin to assist her move beyond her guilt. While Robin develops a close bond with Bennett, Leah begins to doubt Bennett's intentions, thinking her of trying to change her lost child with Robin.

Climax and Conclusion
Leah's suspicions magnify upon learning more about Bennett's past and determining that she had actually lost her daughter, Amelia (Evan Rachel Wood), in a comparable drowning mishap. Leah begins to believe that Bennett might have managed her child's drowning to replace her with Robin. Experiencing a widespread worry and sense of urgency, Leah engages all her resources to get Robin back from Bennett.

The film reaches a high point when Leah burglarize Bennett's home only to discover pictures of Robin painted to appear like Amelia, verifying her worst fears. Despite doing not have difficult evidence, Leah's maternal impulses guide her towards relentlessly locating Robin and Bennett, leading to a tense confrontation in a remote lake home.

The film concludes with the remarkable rescue of Robin from Bennett's clutches and the family overcoming their previous grief. In the end, Bennett is revealed being collared as she breaks down over the loss of her own child.

Styles and Reception
"Down Will Come Baby" is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the mind of two ladies, each dealing with individual tragedies. It handles to stimulate a strong sense of thriller, risk, and maternal protectiveness. The efficiencies of Baxter and Scarwid were especially applauded, who contributed considerably to the plot's psychological strength.

The movie received combined reactions from critics and audiences alike; however, its appealing narrative and performances provided by the cast were typically appreciated. In spite of its challenging material and fully grown themes, it was able to hold audiences' attention to the very end.

Top Cast

  • Meredith Baxter (small)
    Meredith Baxter
    Leah Garr
  • Diana Scarwid (small)
    Diana Scarwid
    Dorothy McIntyre
  • Tom Amandes (small)
    Tom Amandes
    Marcus Garr
  • Evan Rachel Wood (small)
    Evan Rachel Wood
    Robin Garr
  • Katie Booze-Mooney
    Amelia McIntyre
  • Kory Thompson
    Calvin
  • Nicholas Glaeser
    Det. Larkin
  • Warner McKay
    Linus