Comedy features unlikely female hero

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Sidney Jones, Staff Writer

“Obvious Child” managed to fly under the radar of most moviegoers, but it resonates with a particular type of 20-somethings. Writer and director Gillian Robespierre tells the uniquely story of Donna Stern (Jenny Slate), a comedian who finds herself pregnant after a drunken one-night stand.

The film is neither sad nor judgmental, and it is never preachy nor overly lewd either. In its own heartfelt and raunchy way, Robespierre makes a controversial topic relatable to the modern woman. Slate gives one of her best performances as Donna — an unlikely hero for this generation of millennial women.

Unlike Katherine Heigl’s character in “Knocked Up” or Ellen Page’s juvenile persona in “Juno,” Slate’s character decides not to go through with her pregnancy and gets an abortion. Slate is able to portray a woman caught in an intense, controversial dilemma with charisma and charm. In the film, Stern tells her comedy club audience that she is pregnant by saying, “I remember seeing a condom, I just don’t know exactly what it did.”

There is an assertive quality about pregnant women in today’s comedies. They tend to be in complete control of their lives and the paths they take, never apologizing for their choices. Isn’t that why Juno MacGuff waddles around in “Juno,” delivering witty zingers at anyone who tries to undermine her choices? Or why Amy Poehler in “Baby Mama” sits around all day while her counterpart Tina Fey runs around stressed? These women hold a confidence that is empowering, comedic, daring and endearing.

In “Obvious Child,” Donna is independent, unapologetic and determined to live the life she wants. Call it earnest and strong, not selfish.

Email Sidney Butler at [email protected].