Where to watch Baptism (2023)

Story

Filmmaker M Freeman explores their complicated relationship with their given name, Marilyn—a name rooted in Catholic tradition requiring families to honour the Virgin Mary through their daughters' names. Through an unconventional blend of personal narration and visual experimentation, Freeman weaves together family history, identity, and the search for self-acceptance. The film uses creative staging and multiple performers to examine what it means to inherit expectations and discover one's own path.

Why watch

• Experimental personal essay format offers a fresh, intimate storytelling approach
• Original visual style combining voice-over with lip-synching performers and varied imagery
• Explores themes of family inheritance, identity, and cultural expectations thoughtfully

Good for: Viewers interested in experimental cinema and personal narratives exploring identity; certificate status unknown, so check before watching with family.