Babyteeth (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Milla's parents, Anna and Henry, reluctantly accepted Moses because of Milla's terminal cancer diagnosis. They recognized that their daughter's time was limited, and Moses brought her genuine happiness, a feeling they hadn't seen in her since her illness. Despite their discomfort with the 23-year age gap and his criminal behavior, they chose to prioritize Milla's emotional well-being over their own reservations, understanding that fighting the relationship would only cause her more pain.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Milla's declining health and her parents' desperation to give her moments of joy.

• Milla's parents
• Moses
• terminal cancer
• acceptance
• Anna
• Henry

Moses stole prescription drugs from Milla's home because he is addicted to drugs. This theft occurs early in their relationship when Anna discovers him rummaging through their medicine cabinet. The theft reveals Moses's problematic lifestyle and creates tension between him and the family, though Milla defends him despite this betrayal.

Foreshadowing: Moses's drug addiction is hinted at when he asks Milla for money and engages in drug runs.

• Moses
• theft
• medication
• addiction
• drugs

Henry made the desperate decision to offer Moses drugs in exchange for his presence because he saw how much happiness Moses brought his dying daughter. After Milla kicked Moses out upon discovering he stole her medication, Henry tracked him down and proposed this morally questionable arrangement. Henry believed that keeping Milla happy during her final months was more important than the ethical implications of enabling Moses's addiction.

Foreshadowing: Henry's desperation to please his dying daughter was evident when he and Anna first allowed Moses into their home.

• Henry
• Moses
• drugs
• deal
• Milla's happiness

Milla asked Moses to suffocate her because she was suffering unbearable pain from her terminal cancer and wanted to die on her own terms. After celebrating her 17th birthday, she confided in Moses about her constant pain and approaching death, then pleaded with him to end her suffering. This desperate request reflects her desire for control over her own body at a time when cancer had taken everything else from her.

Foreshadowing: Milla had been declining physically throughout the film, and her pain became increasingly apparent.

• Milla
• Moses
• death
• suffocation
• mercy
• pain

After Milla died, Henry and Anna chose to continue caring for Moses despite no longer being obligated to do so. In the closing flashback, Milla had asked Henry to look after Moses, and Henry promised to honor that wish. The family decided to navigate their grief together, taking responsibility for helping Moses with his addiction issues as a way of honoring Milla's memory.

Foreshadowing: Milla's final conversation with Henry on the beach included her asking him to care for Moses.

• Moses
• Milla's death
• Henry
• Anna
• future

Milla defended Moses despite catching him stealing because her feelings for him outweighed her anger at his betrayal. When Anna discovered Moses attempting to steal prescription drugs, Milla pleaded with her mother to let him stay, arguing that his presence made her happy. Milla understood his flaws and addiction struggles, choosing compassion over condemnation during her limited time alive.

Foreshadowing: Milla's immediate attraction to Moses was based on his bold, unconventional nature.

• Milla
• Moses
• theft
• defense
• loyalty

Milla and Moses shared their first sexual experience on her 17th birthday because it was a pivotal moment of acceptance for Milla. She had just confessed to Moses that she was in constant pain and approaching death, and she wanted to experience intimacy and connection before she died. The moment represented Milla claiming agency over her body and life, choosing to share something meaningful with the person she loved most.

Foreshadowing: Milla's 17th birthday was presented as a joyful celebration despite her declining health.

• Milla
• Moses
• intimacy
• birthday
• first time

The beach flashback shows Milla accepting her impending death and asking her father Henry to take care of Moses after she's gone. This peaceful memory occurs after Milla's death when Henry reflects on their last calm moment together. The scene provides closure and demonstrates Milla's maturity in facing death, while also explaining why Henry and Anna commit to supporting Moses in the aftermath.

Foreshadowing: The beach scene was explicitly presented as a flashback after Milla's death.

• Henry
• Milla
• beach
• acceptance
• death
• memory

Anna allowed Moses to return despite discovering he had stolen Milla's specific medication because she witnessed the genuine happiness he brought her daughter. After the initial theft was discovered, Moses left but returned to fight his addictions for Milla's sake. Anna recognized his efforts to change and understood that separating them would cause Milla more suffering than his flaws caused.

Foreshadowing: Anna's transformation from hostile to accepting happened gradually as she observed Milla's joy with Moses.

• Anna
• Moses
• forgiveness
• second chance

Moses kept returning to Milla because their connection transcended his self-serving motivations. Even after Milla kicked him out upon discovering he'd stolen her medication, Moses returned determined to overcome his addictions to be with her. His repeated returns demonstrate that despite his flaws, his feelings for Milla were genuine and he wanted to prove himself worthy of her love.

Foreshadowing: Moses's persistence at Milla's school after being rejected showed his determination to stay in her life.

• Moses
• Milla
• return
• addiction
• love