Amy Schumer returns to the big screen with her first leading lady role in seven years, starring as Lainy Newton in Netflix's romantic comedy Kinda Pregnant. The film tells the story of Lainy, whose life spirals out of control when her best friend, Kate (played by Jillian Bell), announces her pregnancy. Just as Lainy anticipates getting engaged to her long-term boyfriend, Dave (Damon Wayans Jr.), things take an unexpected turn, plunging her headfirst onto the comedy rollercoaster of pretending to be expectant.
Armed with nothing but determination, Lainy's chaotic adventure begins when she steals a fake pregnancy bump from a maternity store. What follows is her descent down the rabbit hole of her fabricated pregnancy, leading her to Mamaste, prenatal yoga classes, and even to the arms of Josh (played by Will Forte), Kate's single brother. Although the premise has comedic potential, the execution often teeters between slapstick and stale humor.
While Schumer leads the cast, she is joined by comedic talents like Urzila Carlson, who makes her film debut as Fallon, the guidance counselor. Carlson opens up about how her unexpected role came to be. “She slid to my DMs,” she tells Parade, referring to Schumer's outreach for the role. At first hesitant to jump from stand-up comedy to acting, the South African-New Zealander managed to navigate her nerves successfully. “When you get something and you go, ‘This could potentially change my life,’” Carlson adds. And it seems to be true!
The film, directed by Tyler Spindel, attempts to capture the trials of love and female friendships through Lainy's eyes. She grapples with her decisions and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood juxtaposed with her desire for romance. The depth of friendship, candidly explored during her interactions with Megan (Brianne Howey), serves as one of the story's highlights.
Critics’ responses to Kinda Pregnant indicate mixed feelings. While the chemistry between Schumer and Forte is praised—every scene together delivers genuine laughter and warmth—many feel such interactions are not enough to uplift the film as a whole. Some viewers found themselves rolling their eyes at predictable stereotypes instead of feeling the intended accomplishment of humor. “It’s kinda okay,” read one blunt assessment, reflecting the common sentiment.
Although Kinda Pregnant addresses important sentiments about hope, love, and the pressures women face, the comedy often feels forced and unoriginal. It deploys familiar tropes of chaotic romantic interests like Lainy but fails to evolve them convincingly. The film seems to take the approach of pushing boundaries with slapstick physical comedy, which might entertain at first but loses impact over time. Many of the subtler themes of female friendship and self-discovery are overshadowed by the chaotic backdrop, leaving viewers wanting more substance.
Lainy desperately seeks joy amid her personal struggles, yet the film's treatment of serious topics can feel superficial. Despite its moments of levity, there's a distinct absence of emotional resonance. Juggling her fake pregnancy infuses her life with unexpected twists but doesn't resonate with authentic experiences many viewers seek. Rather than feeling like fresh material, Kinda Pregnant surfaces as yet another attempt to capture the whimsical chaos of modern-day life devoid of genuine execution.
Sensitive topics like femininity and the intricacies of friendship are notable elements within Kinda Pregnant, but they too fall victim to the broad comedy style. The film is neither groundbreaking nor particularly memorable. While moments of humor spark genuine laughter, the overall narrative lacks compelling structure, resulting in uneven pacing.
Overall, Kinda Pregnant might find its niche audience within viewers eager for light entertainment. With Schumer at the helm, the light-hearted chaos she brings to Lainy’s character is alluring enough for casual viewers seeking laughs and rom-com charm. Still, for those craving depth and authenticity, the film may come across as scattershot.
The film is currently streaming on Netflix, and it's intriguing to watch how these comedic talents navigate their characters through the laugh-induced mayhem.