Obvious Child

The romcom Obvious Child has been hanging around Netflix for a few years, and rightfully so, for it tackles with comedic insight another enduring cultural staple, "the one-night rebound stand after the breakup." It will take only 84 min to see how writer-director Gillian Robespierre can make this serious subject and its constant companion, abortion (Will she or won't she?), comedic and socially acceptable to discuss on a casual date.

Of course, the other reason Obvious Child is a success is its lead, Jenny Slate, playing stand-up comedian Donna Stern. Slate is natural, self-effacing and cute, not quite smashing but attractive enough to make our experience pleasant and sympathetic without being awestruck by abnormal beauty and charisma.

Besides giving varying degrees of standup, from bright contemporary topics to her abortion, funny to bomb, Slate has a sweet charm that makes you want to be a part of her life while she also makes you chuckle. Not hilarious, just smile inducing as we get used to her candor with her anecdotes that make us sometimes uncomfortable but always empathetic.

The boyfriend who dumped her, Ryan (Paul Briganti), is scruffy and unfaithful while one-night-stand Max (Jack Lacy) is all-American and much nicer than he has to be, probably one of the best rebounds in romcom history. You could do worse than watch this on a pandemic night; it sure will take your mind off our viral reality.

Making a movie that seems authentic is hard in this day and age considering what films make money and what films don't. Most of the time audiences don't feel like watching a film deal with real issues when they can just watch a summer blockbuster, but Obvious Child is an incredibly effective real film.

Jenny Slate gives an incredible lead performance of a woman who is a struggling stand up comedian and dealing with personal issues to go along with it. After going through a break up she has a one night stand with a complete stranger, who also happens to be a charming and genuinely nice man. Slate and Lacy have great chemistry together on screen, even if it's dependent upon dirty and crude humor. Speaking of dirty, if the films opening doesn't have you laughing than it's probably not for you. The jokes can be a bit much at times but that speaks to the bond these two strangers have built over a short period of time.

It also treats abortion with care while never really leaning to one side of the spectrum or the other politically wise. Comedically it's on par with a lot of straight up comedies, but it separates itself by having true moments of drama. Props to the entire cast for creating these real characters who everyone can relate to. I think Jenny Slate will be a powerhouse in comedy if she chooses the right roles for herself. Obvious Child is a great short little indie film that's definitely worth watching.

+Slate's star making performance

+Real characters

+With real dramatic situations

+Good mix of comedy and true emotion

-Humor a bit over-the-top at times

8.4/10

The performance of Jenny Slate is the key of seduction in the case of this lovely, deep honest film. Like the performance of each actor, like the shocking end , because, inspired by title, you expect than abortion be excluded option in last moment. But the film has its way . And it gives a fascinating portrait of freedom, love, loneliness, friendship, new start, a youn woman in a box , a closed bookshop and relations with parents - the special job of Richard Kind. So, I love it !

Obvious Child delivered 84 minutes of witty dialogue , excellent performance (Jenny Slate)and humor mixed with light drama . It's ingenuity forces the viewer to feel the attractiveness of the actors even when conventional beauty is scarce . There are no super models in Obvious Child , no flashy implants , and no forced nudity , but the movie draws a constant smile on your face from beginning to end credits.I'm no big fan of rom-coms but this movie changed my mind. Yes a lot will discuss the morals of the movie (abortion) and take sides (with or against) but the value of this movie , in my humble opinion, is outside that debate . its fun and warm and deserves a double watching experience .did I say that Jenny Slate was wonderful ?

Gillian Robespierre makes an endearingly funny film about unplanned pregnancy and abortion with Obvious Child. Don't believe us? Watch it! Obvious Child, written and directed by Gillian Robespierre, is the breakout indie comedy that swept up audiences hearts at both Sundance and SXSW festivals.

Obvious Child follows a stand up comedienne named Donna Stern, played by Jenny Slate. Donna was recently dumped, and not just dumped, but had her heart ripped out and stomped on by her now ex-boyfriend and needless to say she is going through a rough patch. What does one do when one is heartbroken? Well, dancing in her underwear to music, one-night stands and maintaining a certain level of drunkenness seems to be the remedy for her. Unfortunately for Donna this leads to further complications when she finds her uterus fertilized which forces her to address aspects of her life she's been avoiding.

It is incredibly difficult to tell where Donna Stern ends and Jenny Slate begins in Obvious Child. All the characters written by Robespierre are realistic, engaging and fully formed, especially Donna's best friend Nellie (Gaby Hoffmann) and straight-laced paramour Max (Jake Lacy). Whether it be from the actors' talents or the superior writing, either way, Obvious Child is a fast-paced film with entertaining and intellectual dialogue.

Obvious Child is not a film for everyone. If you gripe about the sanctity of marriage and have considered or participated in a pro-life rally then this film is probably not for you. You've been warned. Obvious Child is definitely slanted toward the liberal agenda and lucky for this film, so am I.

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