“Kinda Pregnant,” the latest film from Happy Madison Productions, is an absolute chore to slog through. While it certainly doesn’t warrant a theatrical release, the Netflix service does it a great disservice because viewers will be more inclined to reach over and hit pause through countless cringe-inducing scenarios. A barebones idea of a film devoid of charm or humor, it solidifies that the delightful “Trainwreck” might have been a rarity in star Amy Schumer’s filmography.
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Schumer stars as Lainy, whose life is falling apart after her boyfriend of four years proposes a threesome rather than marriage. The opening flashback informs us that all Lainy has ever wanted was to be a mom, calling it the best thing in the world. And now, she’s spiraling without the option to settle down and start a family.
The wound stings greater following the news that her best friend since childhood, Kate (Jillian Bell), is pregnant. Rather than being excited, Lainy succumbs to jealousy. It’s OK to write unlikable characters if that’s the intent. But there’s no doubt that by the end of “Kinda Pregnant,” we’re meant to root for Lainy and her happiness, something impossible to do after the opening scenes. From two public meltdowns that strain Schumer’s comedic abilities to the point where she seems to be pulling her best man-child Adam Sandler antics to Lainy’s petty reaction to her best friend, there’s nothing to like. This is before she decides to fake a pregnancy after she makes a new friend while wearing a fake baby bump.
It makes it so that, by the time Will Forte arrives and Lainy’s love interest, Josh, it’s already too late. Forte is always a welcomed presence, and he does his best to add a winsome, lose energy to the script, but it falls flat. Forte and Schumer don’t have enough chemistry, Josh is too thin a character, and Lainy is too unlikable. The best-written character is Lainy’s new pregnant friend, Megan (Brianne Howey), who is also Josh’s sister. Megan’s dry realis doesn’t offer anything new to the conversation about motherhood. However, Howey’s performance helps make Megan feel like a real person rather than a caricature.
Directed by Tyler Spindel (“The Out-laws”) and written by Julie Private and Schumer, “Kinda Pregnant” is synonymous with forgettable Netflix fare. Despite the best efforts to make Lainy’s apartment appear lived in, it’s overlit and bleached out. Even the over-the-top physical comedy lacks visual momentum or energy, creating a scene where Schumer is launched through the air muted rather than abrupt and unexpected.
Moreover, the film clearly believes it’s both funny and about the trials of motherhood, but it accomplishes neither. For all of the comedic talent onboard, it wrangles no laughter despite its efforts, which range from exaggerated physical comedy to workplace antics and Schumer’s requisite and tired jabs at herself.
And it says nothing new about motherhood that hasn’t already been addressed and better. Motherhood can be beautiful and raw, and powerful — it can also be challenging, and giving birth can be a traumatic experience. “Kinda Pregnant” slips these messages in as if in dire need to establish itself as an actual film rather than an amalgamation of bits that don’t weave together.
Worse still is how the writing leans into contrived tropes to generate drama when there is none. Lainy and Kate have been friends since early childhood and have been through everything together. Lainy’s animosity towards Kate after learning about her pregnancy rings false — especially as it follows them throughout the film. Adults talk to one another, and friends share their ugly truths. Forced divisions and unnecessary hostility make Lainy out to be a terrible person. They could’ve found a way to let her be jealous (fair) and stumble into the mess of her lie without compromising the established backgrounds.
Perhaps the film would’ve been funnier with a stronger actress at the forefront. Schumer lacks energy or commitment, leaning into the idea that louder means funnier. Even shifting the perspective more to Kate or Megan would’ve allowed for more interesting and engaging conversations about the messiness of motherhood. However, that would ruin the intent of the film.
With a weak script, no visual engagement, and limp comedy despite the comedic actors on board, “Kinda Pregnant” was always a sure-fire miss. It’s a shame because it could have been a relatively harmless addition to the Netflix lineup with the right talent — easy viewing when you can’t think of anything else to watch. As is, it’s a loud, unrefined mess that can’t even live up to a decent background viewing. [D]
