In the world of film comedy, exaggeration takes center stage, and Kinda Pregnant, starring Amy Schumer, is no different. Schumer plays Lainey, a single, baby-hungry woman who goes to hilarious extremes to fake a pregnancy - complete with a roast turkey under her dress. This film, now streaming on Netflix, embraces a whimsical narrative similar to beloved classics like Some Like It Hot and Mrs. Doubtfire, while offering a fresh comedic take on the concept of motherhood, both genuine and fictitious.
Kinda Pregnant delivers comedy through exaggerated scenarios that reflect the modern complexities of pregnancy experiences. Schumer, who co-wrote the film with Julie Paiva, channels her signature comedic style, blending sharp satire with laugh-out-loud moments. The story begins with young Lainey envisioning herself as a future mother, underscoring a lifetime of aspirations that humorously clash with the realities of her adult life.
Set in Brooklyn, the film follows Lainey, a high school teacher whose romantic life is teetering. When expecting a proposal at a dinner, her boyfriend instead proposes something far less traditional, leaving Lainey disheartened. Her cynicism is further ignited when teaching Romeo and Juliet, adding a sombre comedic twist to her lesson plan.
The comedy escalates when Lainey’s best friend reveals her pregnancy, to which Lainey initially reacts with unintended hostility. This sets the stage for a series of comically absurd endeavors as Lainey tries on a pregnancy suit in a store and enjoys the preferential treatment that soon follows. Her quip about the father being ‘DoorDash driver’ is just one of many jokes showcasing Schumer’s quick wit.
The storyline becomes more engaging when Lainey befriends a genuine pregnant woman in her workout class, played authentically by Brianne Howey. This newfound friendship and her budding romance with a quirky character, portrayed by Will Forte, add layers to the plot, pushing the boundaries of Lainey's ever-growing web of pretenses.
While the film features a cast of hilarious supporting roles, including Urzila Carlson as a guidance counselor and Alex Moffat as an ill-informed dad-to-be, Will Forte stands out with his portrayal of a Zamboni driver. His unconventional profession lends itself beautifully to the film’s romantic-comedy atmosphere, enhancing the overall charm.
Directed by Tyler Spindel, nephew of comedic icon Adam Sandler, Kinda Pregnant doesn’t aim to revolutionize the comedy genre. Instead, it succeeds by giving its actors the room they need to shine, particularly Schumer, whose portrayal of Lainey's conflicting desires is both comedic and heartfelt. While films like Knocked Up explored the unexpected turns of pregnancy, Kinda Pregnant encapsulates the heartache of longing for it.
Rated R for its mature themes, the film runs for 97 minutes, interspersing humor with introspective reflections on societal pressures and personal missteps. In sum, Kinda Pregnant is a comedic journey into the misunderstandings and aspirations around motherhood, where Schumer’s humor shines brightly across each misadventure.
