Kinda Pregnant, a new Netflix comedy directed by Tyler Spindel and starring Amy Schumer, arrives with a premise ripe for comedic exploration: a woman feigning pregnancy for attention and connection. However, what could have been a sharp, insightful examination of loneliness and societal pressures surrounding motherhood ultimately stumbles, resulting in an uncomfortable and tonally inconsistent film. While it attempts to grapple with serious themes, the movie's reliance on crude humor and its unlikable protagonist prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
Plot and Pacing
The film introduces us to Lainy (Amy Schumer), a woman yearning for the traditional milestones of adulthood, namely marriage and motherhood. The opening scene, depicting Lainy as a child obsessed with childbirth, feels forced and sets an awkward tone for what's to come. Her anticipation of a proposal from her boyfriend of four years (Damon Wayans Jr.) is quickly dashed, leaving her feeling adrift and envious of her pregnant best friend, Kate (Jillian Bell).
The catalyst for Lainy’s deception comes during a shopping trip with Kate. While trying on a fake pregnant belly in a maternity store, Lainy experiences a moment of connection and acceptance that she craves. This fleeting interaction, combined with her observation of Kate's growing bond with a pregnant co-worker, leads her to the absurd decision to fake her own pregnancy. From this point forward, Kinda Pregnant becomes a series of increasingly implausible scenarios and questionable choices. Lainy’s lie spirals out of control, impacting her relationships and raising ethical questions that the film seems ill-equipped to address.
Flawed Protagonist and Missed Opportunities
One of the film’s major shortcomings is its protagonist, Lainy. While comedies often feature characters making questionable decisions, Lainy is particularly difficult to root for. Her selfishness and lack of self-awareness are rarely challenged, and her supposed journey of self-acceptance feels unearned. She consistently disregards Kate's feelings about her actual pregnancy and faces minimal consequences when her deception is eventually revealed.
The movie seems more interested in the superficial aspects of Lainy’s lie than in exploring the underlying reasons for her actions. What could have been a nuanced portrayal of loneliness and the pressure women face to conform to societal expectations instead becomes a series of poorly executed comedic set pieces.
Humor That Falls Flat
The film’s humor relies heavily on crude jokes, including fart jokes and juvenile wordplay. These attempts at humor often fall flat, failing to elicit genuine laughter and further detracting from the film’s already shaky foundation. The character of Fallon, played by Urzila Carlson, is one of the few bright spots in this regard, but even her comedic talents are not enough to salvage the movie’s overall lack of wit.
A Budding Romance Amidst the Chaos
Despite its many flaws, Kinda Pregnant offers a glimmer of hope in the form of Lainy’s relationship with Josh (Will Forte), Megan’s brother. Forte delivers a charming performance, and his chemistry with Schumer provides some genuinely sweet moments. Their romance offers a brief respite from the film’s overall awkwardness, but it’s not enough to redeem the movie as a whole. The relationship, while offering some positive moments, feels underdeveloped and ultimately secondary to the film’s more problematic aspects.
A Confused Message About Motherhood
Kinda Pregnant ultimately fails to deliver a coherent message about motherhood. It attempts to address serious issues but undermines its own efforts through its reliance on crude humor and its unlikable protagonist. The film seems unsure of whether it wants to be a lighthearted comedy or a thought-provoking commentary on societal expectations, resulting in a confused and unsatisfying viewing experience.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Amy Schumer’s performance as Lainy is uneven. While she occasionally displays moments of vulnerability, she struggles to make the character sympathetic or relatable. Jillian Bell and Brianne Howey deliver solid performances as Kate and Megan, respectively, but their characters are ultimately underserved by the script. Will Forte shines as Josh, bringing a much-needed dose of charm and sincerity to the film.
Technically, Kinda Pregnant is unremarkable. The cinematography is adequate but lacks visual flair. The editing is choppy at times, contributing to the film’s overall sense of disorganization. The soundtrack is forgettable and does little to enhance the viewing experience. The film’s direction is pedestrian, failing to elevate the material beyond its inherent limitations.
Final Verdict
Kinda Pregnant is a disappointing comedy that fails to live up to its potential. Its reliance on crude humor, its unlikable protagonist, and its confused message about motherhood make it a difficult film to recommend. While it may offer a few laughs for some viewers, its overall awkwardness and tonal inconsistency ultimately outweigh its positive aspects. The film’s attempt to blend lighthearted comedy with serious social commentary falls flat, resulting in a viewing experience that is more frustrating than enjoyable.
In the crowded landscape of Netflix comedies, Kinda Pregnant is easily skippable. While the performances are generally competent, the film’s flawed script and uneven direction prevent it from achieving its comedic and thematic goals. The movie’s biggest problem is that it lacks a clear sense of purpose, resulting in a disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying experience for the viewer.
FAQs
1. Is Kinda Pregnant worth watching?If you enjoy crude humor and don’t mind an unlikable protagonist, you might find some entertainment value in the film. However, for those looking for a thoughtful comedy, this one is likely to disappoint.
2. How does Amy Schumer’s performance compare to her past roles?Schumer delivers a performance similar to her previous work, but Lainy’s character lacks the charm or redemption arc that could make her more relatable.
3. Does Kinda Pregnant handle serious themes well?Not particularly. While it attempts to address topics like societal pressures on women and postpartum depression, these elements feel tacked on and poorly integrated into the narrative.
4. Are there any standout performances?Will Forte’s performance as Josh is a highlight, bringing warmth and humor to an otherwise uneven film.
5. What are some better alternatives on Netflix?If you’re looking for a well-balanced comedy with heart, try Bridesmaids, Always Be My Maybe, or Wine Country instead.
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