Review of Unplanned (2019) by Musicmaven1 — 29 Mar 2019

That I went to see a movie tonight was literally not expected, but my husband and I make a point of doing significant activities together (for example, we explored Gettysburg battlefield for our anniversary). I experienced a feeling of concern at what I was about to see on the way to the theater. I expected to find the movie at least draining, and most likely painful to watch.

Instead, it left me feeling positive and uplifted. It's even-handed and sympathetic treatment of a difficult subject allowed an important conversation play out in a very well done film.

It's mission is to spread hope, the value of relationship building even in the midst of disagreement, and the need for people to truly support one another. It does not shy away from painful detail, but at specific moments and for the purpose of portraying the physical and emotional toll abortion takes on mothers (and their families). Almost every character on both sides of the fence is treated with respect, sympathy, and thoughtfulness with the only exception being the "corporate greed" character, who is also the only one pushing a specific agenda with no thought or concern for others.

It is both powerful and sweet at times, with some lighthearted and appropriate family life laughs thrown in. Like it's title, it's not what I expected. It's so much more.