'Kitty mammas' is an absolute delight, and a must-see - especially for cat lovers, of course.
The underlying notion of cat fetuses gestating in human wombs is fun, the concept of the documentary style is ingenious, and the realization of these ideas is outstanding. Every single character has a strong, varied personality that lends to the comedy by themselves, in concert with one another, or in opposition. And the assembled cast is great as they bring these characters to life.
Stephanie Belding is especially great as the nurse Pauline, sardonic and cynical with a pointed, dry sense of humor. Morgan Kohan gives trial participant Rose, a ride-or-die cat lady, a marvelous enthusiasm that I readily identify with. Everyone here bears such astounding warmth and charisma, wholly inhabiting their characters with every nuance they have to share, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, as Dr. Han, ties the picture together with his anchoring starring role, solid and calm.
And of course, every cat and kitten in the feature is incredibly adorable!
As the movie mirrors the documentary its supporting characters are filming, story beats focus on the progression of the patients' pregnancies, their home lives, any developing symptoms - and any further drama that unfolds throughout the trial. Though divided in this format, narrative is cogent and cohesive, and brilliantly written with wit and charm. Writer Katrina Nicholson is to be well commended for developing this screenplay, just as director Dennis Alexander Nicholson is to be saluted for realizing it so believably.
Sure, 'Kitty mammas' plays fast and loose with science, and it's also worth noting that the kittens used for the film are distinctly several weeks old, and absolutely not newborns. But in the grand scheme of things these are small concessions to make for a feature whose only intent is cute, lighthearted, heartwarming fun. And in that aim, it handily succeeds.
The film-makers have made a fantastical and altogether enchanting idea feel very real and plausible, and they've done so with superb earnestness and spirit. While the topic here is rather more far-fetched, it's hard not to draw comparison to the well-known mockumentaries of Christopher Guest, who in some ways laid the groundwork for features of this nature. Certainly 'Kitty mammas' has the same inexplicably captivating magnetism, and it's simply wonderful - a true joy.
There's little more to be said. This is appropriate for all audiences, and anyone who enjoys a silly yet well-written comedy will get a kick out of it. Naturally, this is a quintessential watch for cat lovers most of all - but I heartily recommend 'Kitty mammas' for all comers.
Two paws up!
