Review of Obvious Child (2014) by M.j. K — 08 Jul 2014

An abortion film with jokes? It's only partially true and barely scratches the surface of this comedic gem. That subject is hardly what makes obvious Child so terrific and unique. That'd be star-in-the-making Jenny Slate, formerly of Saturday Night Live who is best remembered for her debut episode where she said 'fuckin' on the air. Slate is Donna Stern, a twentysomething bookstore clerk who strives to be a stand-up comic. she utilizes her life for material, including ex flames and old underwear. She even indulges in 'a little light stalking' to the horror of her roommate Nellie (the great Gabby Hoffman). That's when things take an interesting turn and Donna ends up wallowing in self-pity after a one-night stand with Max (Jake Lacy) that ended with a broken condom. Donna finds Jake too nice, so much so she decides not to tell him anything when she finds out she's pregnant.

You might think you know exactly where this is going, but think again. Director Gillian Robespierre, in her feature debut, show remarkable skill in subverting cliches and making them fell true. Donna makes the decision to end the pregnancy and never doubts she's doing the right thing. And Max, played with wonderful understated charm by Lacy, never questions her right to make her own decision. Compared to the crap Hollywood doles at us in terms of romantic comedies and gender relations, this is all downright revolutionary. Obvious Child is a rom-com that comes with a sting, and Slate is it's dynamite center, nailing every laugh and nuance. It also contains one of my favorite scenes in all of movie history. Sensing Donna is in pain, Max asks if she wants to watch a movie. She simply says 'Always.'. You can't not love a movie like that?