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

⁣ Updated June 18, ​2025
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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.