Obvious Child: Movie Review

Writer/Director Gillian Robespierre’s “Obvious Child” made a big splash at Sundance this year, and not without good reason. The new comedic drama which stars Jenny Slate is not only honest but also very funny. Being able to make people laugh while dealing with the topic of abortion is no easy task, especially when you want to be real and not downplay the seriousness of it. Abortion is not something people like to talk about, especially if they have been through it. Originally filmed as a short back in 2009, Robespierre decided to expand “Obvious Child” into a feature after making its way around multiple film festivals in 2010 and getting quite a bit of online attention.

Stand-up comedian Donna Stern (Slate) is having a rough time. Not only has she just found out that the book store she works at is closing, but her boyfriend decided to dump her as well. Shortly after a one-night-stand with a young professional named Max (Jake Lacy), Donna finds out she is pregnant. Knowing that keeping the baby is not in the cards for her, Donna sets up a Valentine’s Day abortion appointment.

Donna doesn’t tell Max about the pregnancy although there are plenty of times where she was building up the courage to do so. Max is very kind to Donna and she clearly likes him, but the closer she begins to feel to him, the more she tries to push him away. Donna lets her fears and distrust dictate her actions and the only place she seems to be herself is on stage, performing for an audience. Comedy is the one thing that Donna is confident about.

Slate absolutely shines in “Obvious Child” and I hope I get to see her in more features. Not many can pull off a smart, funny, romantic comedy about abortion, but Robespierre has and the chemistry between her lead actors is terrific. Make sure to check this one out.

By: Marc Ferman