Directed by Gillian Robespierre
Written by Gillian Robespierre
Starring: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gabby Hoffman, David Cross, Polly Draper, Richard Kind
Slate plays a 27 year old stand-up comic in OBVIOUS CHILD who finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand. It is clear from the beginning that the only option she considers for herself is an abortion. But her road to the abortion is a painful one, a difficult journey we rarely see now that the typical movie has the pregnant woman decide to have the child. Slate is not so easy to like—her comedy routines are brutally scatological and honest, much like Louie C.K. But it is harder to hear coming from a woman’s mouth—at least for me. But over the course of the film, you grow to appreciate her honesty and her one-night stand (Lacy) is especially likable. This felt a little underdeveloped in spots—very much an indie movie. But I recommend it as a film that has the guts to be realistic. Beware of anti-abortion picketing.
Patti Abbott
