Watch Obvious Child

Obvious Child is a romantic comedy-drama that explores the journey of a struggling comedian named Donna Stern, played by Jenny Slate. She is an unapologetic, witty, and sarcastic woman who does stand-up comedy at a small Brooklyn bar. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she gets dumped by her boyfriend, loses her job, and finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with a stranger named Max, played by Jake Lacy.

The movie begins with Donna sharing some of her insecurities and personal struggles with the audience during her stand-up performance. She talks about her ex-boyfriend, her dysfunctional family, and her messy life. Her humor is raw, vulnerable, and relatable. It reflects the struggles of many young women who are trying to make sense of their lives and their relationships.

After Donna's break-up with her boyfriend, she has a downward spiral. She drinks too much and makes questionable choices. One night, after a particularly wild night of drinking, she hooks up with a nice but somewhat conservative young man named Max. Donna doesn't expect to see him again, but life has different plans for her.

A few weeks later, Donna finds out that she's pregnant. She is shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do. She has no intention of keeping the baby, but she doesn't want to have an abortion either. She turns to her best friend Nellie, played by Gaby Hoffmann, for support. Nellie is a feisty, eccentric feminist who encourages Donna to take control of her life and make the best decision for herself.

As Donna struggles with her decision, she continues to see Max. They have a few awkward but sweet dates, which show the contrast between their personalities. Max is kind, honest, and straightforward, while Donna is guarded, snarky, and defensive. They are from different worlds, but they are drawn to each other.

The movie portrays the complexities of modern relationships, especially when unplanned pregnancy is involved. It shows how difficult it is to navigate the emotional and ethical dilemmas of abortion, while staying true to oneself. It also explores the themes of forgiveness, vulnerability, and authenticity.

Jenny Slate's performance as Donna is raw, nuanced, and convincing. She brings a unique blend of humor and vulnerability to the character, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Her chemistry with Jake Lacy is also noteworthy. He brings a charming and endearing quality to Max, making him more than just a one-dimensional love interest. Gaby Hoffmann also shines as Nellie, delivering witty one-liners and providing comic relief.

The movie is directed by Gillian Robespierre, who co-wrote the screenplay with Karen Maine and Elisabeth Holm. Together, they craft a story that is both heartwarming and honest, without being preachy or judgmental. They create a world that reflects the diversity of Brooklyn, with a cast of characters that feel real and authentic.

In conclusion, Obvious Child is a thought-provoking and entertaining movie that takes a fresh perspective on the romantic comedy genre. It's a movie that focuses on the struggles of modern women, while also celebrating their strength and resilience. It's a movie that shows that life is messy, but it can also be beautiful. And most importantly, it's a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel a little bit better about yourself.

Obvious Child is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 76.