[Review] Unpregnant(2020) {6.5/10}

Written and Directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, 'Unpregnant' is based upon the novel of the same name by Ted Caplan and Jenni Hendricks. The film stars Haley Lee Richardson (Veronica Clarke), Barbie Ferreira (Bailey), Alex MacNicoll (Kevin), Giancarlo Esposito (Bob) and Breckin Meyer (Mark).

The film follows the story of a High Schooler Veronica(Haley Lee Richardson) who finds out that she is pregnant. Veronica had not planned on being a mother though her clueless boyfriend keeps proposing they get married and start a family. Veronica's childhood friend Bailey(Barbie Ferreira) happens into the bathroom and finds out Veronica's secret. They have not been friends for years and Bailey has become a bit of an outcast at school. Veronica had nowhere else to turn. Her friends are not trustworthy and her parents are strict anti-abortion catholics. Women under 18 cannot access abortions in Missouri without parental consent. So, Veronica calls on Bailey to help her so that she can access the procedure in Albuquerque. The two set off on a secret trip to New Mexico.

'Unpregnant' is a BFF road movie that provides pro-choice and feminist messages and manages to be unpredictable but it never quite reaches the sharp comic style of the other raucous movies. The movie relies on some high school stereotypes and gender cliches, mostly about boys. There are some political messages. It's more likely that the politics, humor and the youthful moods will speak to the target audience. It's driving force may seem tropical but the story's heart is timeless as the Former Best Friends regain their trust and friendship and now their bond is stronger than ever.

'Unpregnant' is now available to stream on HBO Max.