Review: 'Unpregnant' Takes a Lighthearted Approach

The abortion road trip is a burgeoning sub-genre, with films like "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" and "Grandma." There are comedies centering abortion, such as "Obvious Child" and "Saint Frances." With states enacting anti-choice legislation restricting abortion access – from parental consent mandates to closing clinics, forcing people (trans men and non-binary people get abortions, too) to travel far distances to obtain an abortion – we need more films showing this journey.

Two films in 2020 follow teens traveling for abortions. While "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" is gut-wrenching and powerful, "Unpregnant" takes a lighthearted approach.

Directed and co-written by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, "Unpregnant" is adapted from the YA novel by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, who also co-wrote the screenplay. When 17-year-old Veronica (Haley Lu Richardson) needs to travel almost one thousand miles (from Missouri to Albuquerque, New Mexico) to get an abortion without parental consent, she enlists the help of her former best friend, Bailey (Barbie Ferreira), to drive her.

"Unpregnant" is an infectiously charming film: Veronica and Bailey share a delightful camaraderie. Their friendship feels real and authentic, as do the reasons why they drifted apart. So, when they rekindle their friendship it feels genuinely earned. It's refreshing the film treats abortion as a regular medical procedure (which it is), especially as one in four women have an abortion, a statistic Bailey states in the film.

Veronica is valedictorian; numerous medals and award certificates for the debate club, calculus, etc. adorn the walls of her home. She's responsible and organized, making lists and charts for the trip. She spouts statistics, like the success rate of condoms. Bailey is bold, brash, and fearless; she's unapologetically herself.

The film opens with Veronica's pregnancy test. We hear a crinkling wrapper and liquid pouring; we see feet under a bathroom stall. Later, she calls a clinic and finds out the closest clinic she can get an abortion without parental consent is over 900 miles away, in New Mexico. Sadly, this is accurate. Veronica lives in a religious family and town. She doesn't feel she can turn to her family or friends. She tells her boyfriend. He reveals that the condom broke a month ago but didn't tell her. He proposes marriage, never asking what she wants to do. He might seem nice, especially by rom-com standards, but the film thankfully exposes him for what he is: Manipulative and controlling. So Veronica turns to Bailey to drive her to Albuquerque.

It speaks to Bailey's character that she helps Veronica, even though they're no longer friends. Despite their estrangement, the girls still share traditions on the road trip. They elaborately give dap when crossing state lines, they have a convenience store drink combination, and they sing along to Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone," fulfilling the comedy trope of women singing either via radio or karaoke.

"Unpregnant" contains several montages of Veronica planning the road trip and the girls traveling (driving, shopping at convenience stores, feeding horses, singing). Numerous pop culture references permeate the film: "Juno," "Say Anything," "Star Trek" (the girls speak Klingon), and "Thelma & Louise." There are a few outlandish scenes; some work (an outrageous car chase with an anti-abortion RV) and some don't (a pawn dealer pulls a shotgun on Veronica's boyfriend, someone gets tased). "Unpregnant" works best in its tender moments when it captures the exuberant jubilance of youth, euphoric freedom, and the bonds of friendship.

At a fair, the girls watch a race. When the winner, Kira (Betty Who), takes off her helmet, the camera lingers on Bailey's face, showing the female gaze and indicating her attraction. In real life actress Barbie Ferreira is queer, so it's great her character is queer, too. Veronica notices and asks her if she likes Kira. She says she's honored that Bailey came out to her, which Bailey laughs at, as she's out to her family. On a ride, Bailey shares she knew she was a lesbian since fifth grade. "We're gay and pregnant!" Bailey shouts. I love this scene. Accompanied by bright neon colors, the camera remains static on them as everything behind swirls, visually representing the stability of their self-acceptance and friendship, despite tumultuous circumstances. In another beautiful scene, Bailey and Kira enter a funhouse and they kiss after Kira asks for consent. It's wonderful to see a lesbian teen explore her sexuality. Queer teens don't often kiss in film, although there are movies where they do, including "Booksmart," "The Miseducation of Cameron Post," and "Love, Simon."

As the girls eventually arrive at the clinic, anti-abortion protesters await. The clinic waiting room is lovely and calming, with vibrant blue walls, an aquarium, and a balloon mural. A gentle film score plays, the cinematography glows with sun flares. We hear narration from a clinic worker guiding Veronica through the entire procedure (she's having a surgical procedure as opposed to the two-step pill). Even in the best, most accurate depictions of abortion onscreen, we rarely see clinics look this inviting and welcoming. It's beautiful, and I was emotional watching.

"Unpregnant" is an amusing comedy, yet simultaneously depicts abortion accurately. Bolstered by engaging performances, it illuminates the obstacles in abortion access while showcasing a supportive friendship. I'll miss spending time with these characters.