Unpregnant - A Review
By: Mallory Johnson
Unpregnant is a movie based on a book of the same name that came out in 2020. The movie is funny and very enjoyable. It is available to watch on Crave and HBO Max. I love how it was written and directed by a woman. The movie follows a seventeen-year-old Veronica who accidentally gets pregnant, and then must travel across the country to get an abortion with her childhood friend, Bailey. It stars Haley Lu Richardson (Five Feet Apart, The Edge of Seventeen) and Barbie Ferreira (Euphoria, Divorce). The movie discusses abortions, the right to choose, and issues with abortion access. I am pro-choice, and I really enjoyed how this movie was also pro-choice. Before I go any further, I want to put in place a spoiler alert. I also want to put in place trigger warnings for: abortion, sexual assault, stalking, flashing lights, and a toxic relationship.
The acting, directing, and cinematography were excellent and made for a fun watch. I loved the soundtrack, the road trip adventure aspect, and the friendship in the movie. I found it very awkward when Veronica’s boyfriend proposed to her when he found out she was pregnant. I loved how organized and planned Veronica was about the whole trip. One of my favorite parts of the movie was the LGBTQ2+ representation in it, and how it was not a big deal in the movie; it did not change much of the plot. I loved that Bailey was so supportive and called to book the abortion appointment for Veronica. I loved when they were at the carnival on a ride, when they were screaming their secrets; specifically the line “We’re gay and pregnant!” I did not trust the family that gave the girls a ride from the carnival, and I was correct.
This movie reminded me of the movie Booksmart, where two teenage girls must go on a big adventure to get to a party. But instead of a party, the teens are going across the country to get an abortion. I liked how Bailey reunited with her dad, and that Veronica supported her when he was rude to her. I found it hilarious that they pulled up to the abortion clinic in a limousine, and that the driver, Bob, walked them into the clinic and said that they are great friends. I really appreciate how they showed the abortion process and explained it in a good, healthy, honest, and unbiased way. I was glad that Veronica thanked Bailey when they got home from their big trip.
I found it very powerful and important that Veronica said that she did not feel bad about the abortion, and the whole conversation that she had with her mom was powerful. I loved how Veronica told her other friends about the pregnancy test being hers, and then went to sit with Bailey. I enjoyed that there was a post credit scene.
The movie took a difficult subject and handled it in a brilliant way. Abortions and abortion access is something that is very important to talk about. Overall, I loved this movie and give it a strong rating of 10/10. I definitely recommend checking it out!