Watch Gayby

Gayby is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the story of two best friends, Jenn and Matt, who decide to have a baby together, the old fashioned way - by having sex! The film takes place in New York City and explores the complexities of modern-day relationships, family, and parenthood. Jenn (Jenn Harris) is a yoga instructor, who is financially struggling and single at 34 years old. Her best friend Matt (Matthew Wilkas) is a comic book artist, who is also single and trying to make it as a freelance illustrator. They have been best friends since college and are each other's support system. However, they have drifted apart a bit over the years, as Jenn is envious of Matt's amazing new apartment and growing success as an artist.

One day, while drunk and in a moment of desperation, Jenn suggests to Matt that they have a baby together. She argues that they both want a kid and that they are each other's best option. Despite initial hesitations, they decide to go through with it and embark on a comedic and emotional journey to conceive a child.

Their unorthodox plan meets with a variety of obstacles along the way, from Matt's difficulty with performance anxiety, to Jenn's overly-enthusiastic (and potentially dangerous) approach to trying to conceive. Alongside their own struggles, they also navigate the reactions of their friends, families, and even their sperm donor.

The supporting cast includes Anna Margaret Hollyman as Paul, Matt's new girlfriend, who is also an aspiring artist; Jack Ferver as Nelson, Jenn's eccentric and intrusive coworker; and Adam Driver as Neil, their sperm donor, who is a young and handsome art-gallery owner.

Throughout the film, the director, writer, and star, Jonathan Lisecki, brings humor and authenticity to the story, infusing it with a genuine warmth and empathy for his characters. While the premise of Gayby may sound outrageous, the film is grounded in reality, illuminating the struggles and joys of those who choose to start a family in unconventional ways.

One of the strengths of Gayby is the chemistry between Harris and Wilkas. Their friendship feels natural and believable, and their banter is witty and endearing. Their characters' contrasting personalities provide great comedic moments, and each displays a different type of love for the unborn child. Wilkas portrays Matt as more hesitant, nervous, and considerate, while Harris associates Jenn with impulsive, quirky, and both heartbreaking and endearing moments.

There are several standout scenes in Gayby that are both hilarious and poignant. Matt's attempt to provide sperm for the artificial insemination near the beginning of the film is particularly memorable. It unfolds in a funny, lighthearted way, but also highlights the underlying emotional stakes at play - Matt's desire for connection and his struggle to perform under pressure.

The way the film portrays family, particularly queer family, is also noteworthy. The movie normalizes and celebrates the idea that families can be created in a myriad of ways. Jenn and Matt's family and friends are diverse, and their love and support for the couple is inspiring. The parents in particular provide a balanced representation of both support and skepticism regarding the couple's unconventional family planning methods.

In conclusion, Gayby is a delightful movie that takes a fresh and funny look at the classic "best friends make a baby" premise. It is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, family, and parenthood in the 21st century, and will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart.

Gayby is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 58.