Obvious Child, directed by Gillian Robespierre, is getting noticed for the star-making performances of Jenny Slate, Gaby Hoffman and Jake Lacy. But the under-the-radar star is Robespierre and the story she scripted, which has steered the film world into new and unexpected romantic-comedy territory. The film focuses on Donna (Slate), a twenty-something comedian reeling from a bad breakup who has a drunken one-night stand with straight-laced nice guy Max (Lacy). A few weeks later, Donna finds out she’s pregnant and decides to have an abortion.
Donna’s stand-up comedy routines and the scene when she’s waiting for pregnancy test results set this film apart from the typical summertime film fare. It’s a must-see for those looking for a groundbreaking rom-com determined to show an unrepresented side of female experience with comic flair and romantic ambitions.
Obvious Child is playing now at BAM and the Angelika Theater in New York City, and opens nationwide on June 27.
nywift
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