Social Isolation Review: “Obvious Child”

Year: 2014 Runtime: 84 Minutes Director: Gillian Robespierre Writer: Gillian Robespierre (screenplay by), Karen Maine (story) Stars: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffmann By Morgan Roberts Is there such a thing as a perfect film?  No.  But there are many films that come close.  Gillian Robespierre’s feature film debut, “Obvious Child” (2014), is one of those films.  With a runtime of 84 minutes, Robespierre ensures … Continue reading Social Isolation Review: “Obvious Child”

ITOL Top 50 Films of the Decade, Entry No.44: Obvious Child

Re-watching and reappraising “Obvious Child” in 2019 for the In Their Own League top 50 films directed by women since 2010 list, it’s hard to imagine the film finding distribution in the US in an era where stricter abortion laws are being imposed, and the government-backed film Unplanned was a box office hit. Not that the film wasn’t without its share of anti-abortion outrage on its initial 2014 release.

This is a personal film, with a shot of the political. Gillian’s Robespierre’s debut feature isn’t as steeped in the abortion debate as something like Alexander Payne’s “Citizen Ruth”, but it balances a heavy subject with a lightness of touch that shines through Jenny Slate’s leading performance as Donna. Continue reading ITOL Top 50 Films of the Decade, Entry No.44: Obvious Child