TEA PARTIES ARE FOR BABIES takes its structure and concept from Alice in Wonderland. While this may seem strange at first, consider this: Falling down the rabbit hole of sexuality, drug and alcohol use, clubbing, and more all in one day is more than enough to make anyone go a little mad. And with a surprise plot twist at the Mad Tea Party, how could it get any curiouser?

TPAFB writer, director, and producer Teja Rose is a student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and is set to graduate this year. I applaud her unique and bold artistic vision, especially considering this is, for all intents and purposes, a student film. It’s clear Rose’s style already speaks for itself, even as it’s still developing. I’m very interested to see what comes next from Rose- especially since, if her films up until now are any indication, she has a tendency to focus on female and queer stories. Exciting and new, and full of immense promise.

While TPAFB tells the story of one single night in one woman’s life, I found myself aching for more. I had questions! Yes, we know what happened – there’s not too much mystery as to the events – but WHY? What led to here? Who are these characters and how did they get to this? TPAFB did what I wish all shorts would – it made me want more. Captivating and attractive performers intertwine and intermingle like people on a dance floor. Sexual tension bubbles just beneath the surface of every single scene. TPAFB bubbles over quickly – like a tea kettle at the Mad Tea Party.

I would feel personally remiss not to mention that this film can/should come with a fairly moderate epilepsy warning – club scenes include flashing strobes, and the entire end credit sequence is set over a red strobe. While this provides a perfect, tripped out atmosphere for the movie, I think a strobe warning is necessary.