Amy Schumer is back on Netflix with her new comedy film, 'Kinda Pregnant', which explores the humorous and poignant ups and downs of friendship, particularly when jealousy and lies come to play. Premiering on February 5, 2025, the film is directed by Tyler Spindel, known for his previous work on 'The Wrong Missy'. Schumer stars alongside Jillian Bell, Will Forte, and Damon Wayans Jr., bringing to life the funny — and sometimes messy — world of friendships strained by life's major milestones.
Describing her initial reaction to the screenplay, Schumer expressed, "This is an incredible premise...a classic comedy." Schumer, who co-wrote the script, aimed to ground the film's humor and sensibility around authentic conversations between close friends. This approach is particularly evident as her character, Lainy, navigates the challenges thrown at her when her best friend, played by Bell, becomes pregnant. Schumer emphasized the need for the character dynamics to be relatable: "I wanted my character to be believable so you could like her and the circumstances to be possible. I mean, I wanted to make this as big as possible, in terms of comedy."
Jillian Bell, who plays Kate, adds depth to the relationship by articulately summarizing her character’s long-standing friendship with Lainy, stating, "Lainy and Kate have been friends since childhood...this is probably the biggest one." The film showcases the reality of friendships when faced with jealousy and competition, especially when one friend is traversing the terrain of childbearing. Bell underlines the essence of needing each other: "I would need my girlfriends to be around me as much as possible just to keep my sanity, it feels like." This undercurrent of need and support resonates as audiences follow the twists and turns their friendship endures.
At the heart of 'Kinda Pregnant' is the lie Lainy tells, which spirals out of control and creates hilarious situations for the duo. When asked about the significance of this facade, Schumer said, "I'm sure I've told so many lies...there's nothing funnier than lying." This comedic element adds tension as Lainy tries to keep up the pretense of pregnancy, creating scenes ripe for humor and relatability. The unpredictability of lies serves as the film's core, propelling the narrative forward, leaving audiences wondering how the situation will resolve.
The atmosphere on set appeared to be just as humorous, with Bell recalling her time working with Schumer as incredibly fun: "There were so many moments to improvise and play and have fun, and Amy supported throughout the entire process." Their chemistry translates well to screen, and as Schumer humorously states, "Let's just make every movie together. I'll sign a contract right now." This synergy is palpable, providing the film with both comedic flair and genuine emotional depth.
The film's ensemble cast also features Will Forte as the love interest, alongside Damon Wayans Jr. and various supporting actors, each contributing to the exploration of relationships and the chaos stemming from hidden truths. The narrative’s comedic elements are layered with relatable themes of friendship, jealousy, and life-changing circumstances, making it feasible for the audience to connect, laugh, and perhaps even reflect.
Amy Schumer's extensive filmography, including hits such as 'Trainwreck' and her recent involvement with 'Life & Beth', showcases her ability to tackle both comedy and relatable subject matter. Meanwhile, Jillian Bell, known for roles like those in 'Candy Cane Lane', brings authenticity and warmth to the film's emotional core.
With 'Kinda Pregnant' set to premiere on February 5, viewers can expect not just laughs but also heartfelt moments portraying how deep friendships are tested through life’s greatest challenges. Schumer’s knack for comedy coupled with Bell’s earnestness exemplifies the essence of true friendship, imperfections and all. This film is not just about the punchlines, but embracing the messy, beautiful moments we share with those we love.