A biodegradable and flushable film is generally provided. The film can be a multi-layer film including a water-dispersible core layer that comprises a water-soluble polymer; and a water-barrier skin layer positioned adjacent to the water-dispersible core layer. The water-dispersible core layer constitutes from about 50 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of the film, while the water-barrier skin layer constitutes from about 1 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of the film. The biodegradable polymers of the water-barrier skin layer can constitute from about 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of the polymer content in the water-barrier skin layer, with from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the biodegradable polymers being polyalkylene carbonate and from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the biodegradable polymers being biodegradable polyesters. The film may be used as a packaging film or as a backsheet of an absorbent article.