Fri, Aug 15th, 7:30 PM @ TCL CHINESE 6 THEATRE || #6
By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 08/09/2025 Milk is a powerful film written and directed by Naomi Waring. It stars Vigs Otite, Anabela Teixeira, and Hélder Fernandes. The story revolves around a single mother and her two young children, a baby and a toddler. The young daughter inadvertently uses her baby formula to feed herself and her dolls, even mixing it into her cereal at one point.
As the baby begins to cry, the mother desperately tries to breastfeed, but the baby won’t latch. In her desperation, she searches for money, collecting change and even breaking open a piggy bank. Determined to buy baby formula, she takes her children to the local market.
Upon arrival, she searches the aisles and calls out for Emir, the store clerk. He informs her that the formula is located up front. However, when she finds that she doesn’t have enough money, she asks Emir if he could please give it to her on credit. He declines her request, stating that if he does, every other person in need would want credit as well. Im not a crackhead, he tells her to go to a bigger shop that there it may cost less, she thinks maybe she will have sex with him for exchange but steps out and goes to the bigger store, In the film, the protagonist discovers a formula that contains an anti-theft device, which she removes. She tells her daughter to go hide, assuring her that she will come to find her. While searching for her daughter, she spots her at a free sample stand. One of the store employees notices that the anti-theft device has been removed and approaches her. The employee takes the formula to another staff member and asks her to step into the office. There, she receives a stern pep talk about stealing, even though she hasn’t actually stolen anything. The employee suggests she should call social services on her since she can’t provide food for her children. After this encounter, the protagonist leaves the store, standing outside with her children, when the other employee comes out and hands her the formula, saying she forgot something.
The film portrays chaos and stress, highlighting what appears to be a significant global issue. With food prices soaring in America, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for families to feed their children. The film is heartbreaking and filled me with anxiety. Even though I don’t have a baby or children, I empathize with her situation; I can’t imagine the feelings that come from being unable to provide food for my children. One aspect I found puzzling is why she doesn’t breastfeed. Is it because her milk is tainted, or is it related to the social stigma surrounding breastfeeding versus formula feeding, which has been debated in society for years? This adds another layer of sadness to the film and made me reflect deeply on these issues. Overall, it’s a powerful narrative about poverty, class, and how corporations have commercialized baby formula.
“Milk” will screen at this year’s Hollyshorts Film Festival in Los Angeles.
