For this year’s first Bwog Movie Club, Staff Writer Anna Eggers reviews the new movie Unpregnant. (Spoilers!)

Film: Unpregnant (2020) directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg

Rating: 7/10

Watch if you liked: Booksmart, Heathers, To Wong Foo Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar

Summary: A 17-year-old girl, Veronica, living in Missouri learns that she’s pregnant and convinces her ex best friend, Bailey to go with her on a long, tumultuous journey to New Mexico where she can get an abortion without parental permission. 

Review: I’m a sucker for coming of age teen movies, so I’d be lying if I tried to say I expected this movie to be anything other than cliché. However, the outrageous events that occur along their trip make this movie a little bit difficult to accept as a part of this genre. 

From crazy pro-life kidnappers to a lesbian racecar driver love interest, it doesn’t seem like what happens to Veronica and Bailey is realistic–and one of the most important parts of a coming of age movie is how we as watchers can see our own awkward and messy stories on screen. There are definitely smaller moments that can draw in a little bit of this relatability, like when the two get into a fight over why they stopped being friends, but it’s just not enough. 

The best part of the movie, though, is the characterization. The actresses had great chemistry and played their roles really well. There was a sense of teenage angst and humor that so many other movies fail to imitate, and the growth of the two girls after everything they went through was palpable. Both of the characters were extremely chaotic in their own ways and it made the movie feel like you’re becoming a part of their friendship, weirdness and all. 

In some ways, it does have a happy ending because the two friends are reunited and live happily ever after, but on the other hand, one of the most upsetting parts of the movie is how Victoria’s mother basically straight up tells her that she made the wrong choice to get an abortion, even if it’s sandwiched between “I love you’s.” It’s an unsatisfying realization that although this entire movie is supportive of having choices if you get pregnant, there will always be somebody there who will judge you based on the choice you make. 

Final thoughts: If you’re in the mood for a fun movie about friendship, abortions, and a suspension of disbelief, this is a great choice. You’ll feel for the characters and take a sigh of relief every time they succeed along their journey. 

Photo via Pixabay (and edited by Anna Eggers)