Review of Obvious Child (2009) by Jeremy P — 10 May 2014

Here is a thoroughly modern romantic comedy from Gillian Robespierre. Not only is it not afraid of the ugly awkward truths of relationships, it's entirely built on them. Despite being a less contentious issue in England than America, abortion is still a pretty jarring theme to hinge a comedy on, but by virtue of a glowing performance from Jenny Slate and a perfectly pitched tone, Obvious Child is able to find humour in the bleakest moments while simultaneously retaining enough depth and solemnity never to make light of them.

"I think I've cried on every train line," says Donna (Slate) who is really having a rough couple of weeks. Dumped unceremoniously in a bar toilet by her boyfriend, about to lose her job at a book store (fantastically titled Un-oppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books) and now a few weeks pregnant after a one night stand with Max (Jake Lacy). Incapable of confronting her own emotions Donna, also a stand-up comedian, deflects everything around her with jokes and sarcasm, hiding herself away in a performance - often literally as she recounts her insecurities as part of her stage material. As her termination date draws nearer she is forced to face her biggest fears - and the prospect of informing Max of her decision.

Hitting an acceptable balance between comedy and drama is a notoriously difficult task. Obvious Child straddles the divide perfectly, allowing the heightened funny dialogue to flow, while shaping its central character with enough love that it's equally effective dramatically. While the majority of the gags come from whip-smart conversational exchanges, there are a few broader moments that impressively don't feel out of place. Laughs or poignancy are never once forced, and manifest as seamlessly as Donna's witticisms.

Easily a character that could become massively annoying, the quick-witted sarky Donna is painted with such tender honesty there is no question we will always root for her. Obvious Child's success rests with Jenny Slate - a real life stand-up, most familiar as John-Ralphio's insufferable sister Mona-Lisa in the NBC sitcom, Parks & Recreation - and she is wonderful here. Her stand-up, full of bawdy personal over-sharing, is an uproarious start to the film, but as her world begins to disintegrate her real fragility can no longer be masked by her lively stage persona.

This is an effortlessly touching film that flies by in a whirl of tears and laughter. I detest the portmanteau 'dramedy', but Obvious Child is a fine example of the two melded styles finding a harmony that rings true throughout. Jenny Slate is a performer of real promise, seemingly with the worlds of both comedy and drama at her feet.