Expecting

Finally! A movie that shows the pregnant female body not as some deformation or taboo subject, but still sexualized and human. This was an amazingly acted film. The actors so embodied the characters that until you visit the website, or hear the director, Deborah Day, speak, you would never know that the film was virtually unscripted and completely improvisational.

The basic plot follows a woman from labour to birth as she gathers family and friends together for a 'birthing party' to witness this joyous event. The dynamics between the characters are what makes it so enthralling that you actually feel a part of this event and the birth of the child. And of course, you can't help but feel genuine affection for poor Ian, the wonderfully supportive boyfriend (portrayed by Tom Melissis).

This is not your traditional Hollywood movie and is better for it. I was lucky enough to catch a screening of this at a festival in Canada, but it needs to come to the states not only to show the beauty of the woman in all their physical transformations- but also that great acting, dynamics, and film making can excite an audience just as much as multi-million dollar FX and does one better by also emotionally connecting you to the characters on screen.

If you have the chance to see this amazing film, go! For once, we have women who are over the age of 30 and attractive, sensual, and yes, even sexual. We get to see a naked very-pregnant woman, sing, dance, cry, scream, and try her best to celebrate the birth of her child with her friends. Every character is someone you want to get to know more - it is thoroughly impressive to see such strong characterizations. The film will make you hold your breath and eagerly anticipate the expected conclusion. You will laugh and laugh until you want to cry with Joy and Amazement at the end.

I caught this film at the Tidal Wave Film Festival in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Deborah Day explained to the attenders how the actors were given thorough background on their characters, but not a standard script. They filmed in sequence and they found out what was going on only as the film went on. There were a few plot turns and they are very believable. Imagine a interactive murder mystery, but the who done it is finding out who got Stephanie pregnant. Debra McGrath and hubby Colin Mochrie steal the show with their superb performances. It was a good cast and the chemistry worked. However, viewers should be cautioned that there is a lot of objectionable material that will limit its audience. Personally, I do not feel that it added anything to the story. With such a talented improvisational cast, it would great to see what they could pull off without resorting to profanity and nudity.