‘baby Geniuses’ Revisited: A Critical Look at the 1999 Film

⁣ Updated June 18, 2025

The 1999 film “Baby Geniuses” centers on Dr.⁤ Elena Kinder, played by⁤ Kathleen Turner, and ⁣Dr. Heep, portrayed by Christopher Lloyd, who run BabyCo. The company abducts infants from orphanages to study them, hoping to unlock the secrets of‍ “Babytalk,” a language they‍ believe babies use.

Kim Cattrall and peter MacNicol play Robin and Dan Bobbins, who operate ‍a daycare. Robin, Dr. Kinder’s niece, is unaware that her ⁣adopted‍ baby, Wit, has a twin brother, Sly, who is being held at BabyCo as a research subject.

After Sly escapes‍ from BabyCo’s amusement park, Joyworld, he switches ‍places with Wit. Dr. Kinder,upon discovering the switch,sees an possibility ⁤for a double-blind‍ study. Sly and Wit, despite being unaware of each other, ⁤share a telepathic connection.

The Bobbins eventually realize they are caring for the wrong child and pursue⁢ Dr. Kinder and Dr. Heep to find their kidnapped son.

Despite grossing $36.5⁣ million⁤ against ⁣a $12 million budget,⁣ “Baby Geniuses” received poor reviews, with ⁢a 2% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. A sequel, “Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2,” fared⁤ even worse.

The film’s use of digital animation to create talking babies was described as eerie and unnatural.

What’s next

As of this report, “Baby Geniuses” is not available on streaming⁣ services,⁣ but can be rented ⁤on⁢ demand via ⁣Apple TV+, Prime Video, and ‍fandango At Home.