‘Kinda Pregnant’ Review: Amy Schumer’s Netflix Comedy Is Kinda Dull

In the Netflix comedy “Kinda Pregnant,” directed by Tyler Spindel and written by Julie Paiva and Amy Schumer, an unexpected pregnancy causes some dubious choices and sets off on a peculiar, yet foreseeable, journey.

Since Lainy Newton (Schumer) can recall, her dream has always been to become a mother. The story opens with a young Lainy (Jayne Sowers), playing out a birth scenario with her friend Kate (Julianna Layne). Both girls share the silent sorrow of losing their mothers, and they act out their parts: Lainy as the expectant mother cursing, and Kate as the supportive friend or perhaps the doctor, urging “Push!” Despite the fact that Kate dislikes this game each day and is unsure about her desire to be a mother, she humors Lainy, who views having a child as one of life’s most significant accomplishments.

Decades have passed and Lainy and Kate continue to be inseparable, residing in New York City. Lainy is a dedicated English teacher at a public school in Brooklyn, while it’s unclear what Kate does, but they start their days with FaceTime calls – a symbol of their lasting bond. However, when Kate shares that she’s pregnant, this revelation casts a shadow over their relationship. Having just ended her long-term relationship with Damon Wayans Jr., Lainy finds herself envious that her best friend is embarking on the life that she had envisioned for herself.

From the realm of games like “Adult Best Friends” and “Babes”, “Kinda Pregnant” delves into the turbulent story of friendship evolving, where friends diverge on their life paths. Instead of facing my growing feelings of envy head-on (dipping into “Baby Mama” territory), I started to pull away from Kate, immersing myself in a make-believe world. As a middle school teacher, I even donned a fake baby bump and joined a prenatal class, where I met Megan (Brianne Howey), another expectant mother. The deception spirals out of control, leading me to become romantically entangled with Megan’s brother Josh (Will Forte), a twist designed to amplify the emotional intensity.

Unlike Delaney Buffett’s endearing first film or Ilana Glazer’s comedic motherhood story, “Kinda Pregnant” fails to captivate with likable leads or consistent humor. Instead, it offers a rather dull experience that relies on its peculiar plot and occasional humor to keep viewers engaged. The portrayed friendship is so underdeveloped that it leaves one wondering why the two characters remain friends, and Schumer struggles to harmoniously blend the emotional and comedic aspects of her character in a satisfying manner. This results in a film filled with awkward jokes and forced sentimentality.

In the thought-provoking piece titled “Kinda Pregnant“, the focus is on societal attitudes towards pregnant individuals, as portrayed through Lainy’s experiences. Despite her desire to become a mother due to personal loss, there’s an aspect of Lainy that revels in the attention given to a pregnant woman. Teenagers compliment her radiant complexion, subway passengers hastily offer their seats, and pedestrians bestow warm smiles upon her. This external response serves as a stark contrast to the inner struggles faced by actual pregnant people, such as those Lainy encounters in prenatal classes with Megan. Megan, who is anticipating the birth of her second child, frequently confides in Lainy about the isolating nature of pregnancy. These revelations bring attention to the likely solitude felt by Kate, whose character seems to take a backseat, given that she’s separated from her closest friend during this crucial period.

As Kate prepares for her life as a mother, Lainy discovers a sense of belonging within Megan’s circle of friends. She gradually develops romantic feelings for Megan’s brother Josh, a low-key Zamboni driver who is recovering from a recent breakup. They find common ground in humor and Lainy envisions a potential future with him. However, her fake pregnancy adds an awkward layer to their relationship. The story provides opportunities for Schumer to explore physical comedy, but it lingers too long and grows uncomfortable, particularly as Megan and Josh start trusting Lainy more. A more nuanced version of this plot could have revealed depth and unexpected emotion in the premise, but Kinda Pregnant chooses to stick with a superficial approach instead.

As a fan, I must admit that “Kinda Pregnant” leans heavily on its humor, yet falls short of being exceptionally funny. The supporting characters, such as Lizze Broadway and Urzila Carlson, truly shine and provide the majority of the laughs. However, despite its noble intentions, the film’s formulaic nature borders on monotony.

The plot, while hinting at Lainy’s eventual revelation, fails to keep us engaged, and Spindel’s subtle direction doesn’t quite manage to rekindle the lost energy. The end result is a film that appears uncertain of its purpose and struggles to build momentum from the start.

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2025-02-05 11:25