Obvious Child Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A comedian gets knocked up, decides to have an abortion, and somehow gets a boyfriend out of it – peak millennial dating.

🍿 Obvious Child: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Donna’s Life as a Comedian

Donna Stern, a struggling stand-up comedian in her late twenties living in Brooklyn, uses her everyday life as fodder for her act. She’s known for her brutally honest and often crude humor, openly discussing her sex life and personal experiences on stage. This makes some uncomfortable, but it’s her way of processing the world.

Breakup and a One-Night Stand

Donna is dumped by her boyfriend, Ryan, which sends her into a spiral. She meets Max at a bar after a particularly disastrous performance. They connect, and after a night of drinking, they have a one-night stand. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that will force Donna to confront aspects of her life she’s been avoiding.

Unplanned Pregnancy and Decision

Several weeks later, Donna discovers she’s pregnant. Unprepared for motherhood and evaluating her options, she decides to have an abortion. This decision is a central theme of the movie. As she grapples with this choice, she leans on her friends and family for support, highlighting the complexities of womanhood and personal autonomy.

Telling Max and Aftermath

Donna is faced with the decision to inform Max of her pregnancy and her decision. She eventually does and he expresses support for her choice. The film follows Donna as she experiences her abortion and comes to terms with her choices. It tackles the topic with respect and dignity offering a feminine perspective.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Donna (Jenny Slate): A twenty-something stand-up comedian whose unplanned pregnancy forces her to confront adulthood.
• Max (Jake Lacy): The kind, preppy guy who unexpectedly becomes involved in Donna’s life after a one-night stand.
• Nellie (Gaby Hoffmann): Donna’s supportive and understanding best friend who offers advice and companionship.
• Joey (Gabe Liedman): Donna’s close gay friend who provides comic relief and a different perspective on her situation.
• Nancy (Polly Draper): Donna’s mother who shares her own experiences and offers support during a difficult time.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Donna: “I remember seeing a condom; I just don’t know exactly what it did.” – Donna makes this joke during her stand-up routine while discussing the events that led to her pregnancy.
• Donna: “I’m gonna get an abortion, and I’m gonna get some ice cream, and I’m gonna be fine.” – Donna matter-of-factly explains her plan to her friend, showcasing her initial approach to the situation.
• Nellie: “I never regret it.” – Nellie shares her own past experience with abortion, reassuring Donna that it’s okay to not feel regret.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $700,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,123,963
• Worldwide Gross: $3,325,417

💥 Obvious Child Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Obvious Child! Jenny Slate’s performance is so real and relatable, it felt like I was watching a friend navigate the ups and downs of life. The stand-up scenes are hilarious, and the way the movie handles tough topics like unplanned pregnancy is both honest and heartwarming. I especially loved the scene where Donna tells her mom about the abortion, it’s so genuine.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie rom-coms”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about female experiences”
  • “Those who appreciate films that tackle sensitive topics with humor and honesty”
  • “Fans of Jenny Slate”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Discussion of abortion”
  • “Sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Obvious Child is a refreshingly honest and funny take on a difficult subject. Jenny Slate shines as Donna, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and deeply human, making the film a must-see for those seeking a relatable and thought-provoking rom-com.
• The New York Times: “Gillian Robespierre’s film is a triumph of honest storytelling. Slate’s performance anchors the movie with her natural charm and comic timing. It’s a bold movie that tackles complex issues with humor and grace, avoiding clichés at every turn.

Audience Reactions

Jenny Slate’s relatable performance made me feel like she was talking directly to me.: Viewers consistently praise Jenny Slate’s performance and the movie’s ability to handle complex subjects with humor and honesty.

The humor was on point and genuinely funny, not the overly-produced kind you often see.: Audiences appreciated the film’s raw, honest portrayal of womanhood and relationships.

Overall Consensus: Obvious Child is a critically acclaimed film that stands out for its honest and humorous take on relationships and unplanned pregnancy, driven by Jenny Slate’s outstanding performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Obvious Child was shot in just 18 days, a remarkably short production schedule for a feature film.”
• “The film is based on Gillian Robespierre’s 2009 short film of the same name, expanding the story and characters.”
• “Jenny Slate’s performance was widely praised for its honesty and relatability, and many critics considered it a breakout role for her.”
• “The film’s approach to the topic of abortion was noted for its frankness and lack of judgment, sparking both praise and controversy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Obvious Child?

Obvious Child is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand via platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for rental and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Obvious Child, you might like these similar films:

• Juno (2007): Deals with unplanned pregnancy with humor and heart, but from a different perspective (teenager deciding whether or not to give the baby up for adoption).
• Knocked Up (2007): Explores the challenges of an unexpected pregnancy from both the male and female perspective, with comedic elements.
• Frances Ha (2012): Captures the struggles and triumphs of a young woman navigating life in New York City, with a focus on friendship and self-discovery.

🛒 Obvious Child Related Products

• Obvious Child (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience the wit and charm of Jenny Slate in stunning high definition.
• Obvious Child – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Digital Download): Download the soundtrack and enjoy the indie tunes and score that perfectly capture the mood of the film.
• Jenny Slate: Stage Fright (Comedy Special): Watch Jenny Slate’s stand-up special and experience her unique brand of humor live on stage.
• Stand-up Comedy Starter Kit: Microphone & Notebook: Includes a beginner-friendly microphone and a notebook for jotting down jokes and observations, inspired by Donna’s journey in ‘Obvious Child’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Obvious Child features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Honey” – performed by The London Souls
• “Gone With the Wind (Main Title)” – performed by Max Steiner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

I’m obsessed with this evangelical review of Hereditary

Ever wonder how a deeply religious group interpreted the themes of Hereditary? This video breaks down a fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) evangelical review that’ll make you see the movie in a whole new light. Seriously, you won’t believe what they focused on!

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