Review: “Obvious Child”

Sweet and daring.

“I guess comedy is supposed to be honest” a character says in Obvious Child, out now on iTunes and Amazon. Within this comedy — in his case, an anecdote comparing the men he likes to his coffee preference — there is, indeed, much honesty. Almost too much, and too detailed. “TMI” (too much info) some might proclaim internally. There is a discomfort with truth that I think we all share, especially whenever a revelation is being made. We almost feel the anxiety of the person making the expose, and in the context of a comedy set, this stress is almost ten fold.

Death is easy, comedy is hard and the truth is difficult to tell.

Jenny Slate plays Donna, an up and coming comedian in Brooklyn, whose stand up is made up of her more recent life experiences. She seems to always be “on stage”, whether in a bar or in her real life. But this doesn’t mean that she is masking anything; she comments on everything, no matter how inappropriate or taboo the subject, and does so with gusto. Making jokes might be a coping mechanism for her, but it’s pretty healthy, I think. She’s never rude, though sometimes crude. She’s never mean, though sometimes aggressive. She’s never apologetic for being herself, but does hesitate like most would.

After a fling with a young gentleman, Donna finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. How does she handle it? How do you think? As any woman might, she goes through several stages of stress and contemplation, but does settle to make the decision to terminate. Before any readers go flying off the handles, let me point out that A) She is an adult B) She has thought this over a thousand or more times in her head and C) It’s ultimately her right.

Obvious Child doesn’t tread lightly around her decision, and why should it? It’s 2014, and we’re due for a film that handles abortion in a non sterilized manner. It’s real, it’s something that happens, let’s face it. However, to call this a political film or movie with a message would be massively incorrect. It’s a romantic comedy at heart, with a central obstacle that hasn’t often been touched in this genre. Of course, even a liberal like myself can understand why…

Donna’s choice is never questioned — not by herself or by others — and she only finds support from family and friends. Still, it’s a complicated journey from conception to the inevitable finish, with her experiencing feelings of guilt and disappointment. Again, not from her decision, but in her not being as truthful and forthcoming about it. If anyone can rectify and come to peace with it all, it would be a comedian. It’s pretty bold and brave for a movie to treat this subject matter in a context of understanding and without judgement, while also being hilarious and ultimately sweet. Give this a shot, and try not to fall in love with Jenny Slate’s performance. Open your mind and your heart, and maybe you’ll find a new movie to like. Just be honest with yourself.

5 / 5