Obvious Child

Starring;Jenny Slate
Jake Lacy
Gaby Hoffmann
David Cross
Gabe Liedman


Director;
Gillian Robespierre

In three words; Genuine - Funny - Honest

Review;
A romantic comedy about abortion. Not a sentence you would expect to come across but that is essentially what Obvious Child is. Although such a sentence undervalues the sentiment and meaning of such a touching and gracious film.

Donna (Slate) is a stand up comedian living in Brooklyn and working in a book store. Her candid and funny stand up routines brings an end to her relationship, at least that's the reason given by her now ex-boyfriend. After drowning her sorrows she has a one night stand with Mr Way Too Nice, or Max (Lacy) as he is known, and ends up pregnant.

Donna knows immediately that she wants an abortion but doesn't know how to address this with Max who keeps coming back into her life.  This could be a tricky subject to handle but Writer and Director Gillian Robespierre leaves aside any cynicism and judgement and concentrates on the reality of the situation and most importantly the persons own choice.

Pro-life groups will hate the way abortion is addressed here, there are pro-life supporters who picket abortion clinics in the States. I quote Bill Hicks 'If you're so pro-life, lock arms and block cemeteries.' Their ignorance is unwelcome in society and in this film. The subject matter is dealt with intelligence and grace as the screenplay oozes with credibility and integrity.

Jenny Slate gives a brilliant performance mixing her aptitude for stand up and acting. Clearly we will see a lot more of her in the future. The is also great work from a strong supporting cast who deliver and nurture the strong screenplay. There are times that scenes are a little fragmented but perhaps this compliments the realism of the performances.

This is Robespierre's directorial debut which shows she has an excellent understanding of capturing and delivering fine performances. She is clearly not afraid from being slightly controversial and this will no doubt hold her in good stead. I look forward to her next film that's for sure.


Verdict;
4 out of 5.