Netflix’s Kinda Pregnant, starring Amy Schumer, is a comedy that tries to blend humor with heartfelt moments but struggles to deliver on both fronts. Directed by Tyler Spindel and written by Schumer herself along with Julie Paiva, the movie revolves around a woman’s jealousy over her friend’s pregnancy, leading her to make some questionable decisions. Despite its potential, the film falls short, leaving viewers with a predictable and somewhat dull experience.
The Premise: A Quirky Fantasy
The story centers around Lainy Newton (Amy Schumer), a woman who has always dreamed of becoming a mother. In the opening scene, we see a young Lainy playing pretend with dolls, imagining herself giving birth. Flash forward to present-day New York, where Lainy is a public school teacher, still close with her childhood friend Kate (Julianna Layne). However, when Kate announces her pregnancy, Lainy’s jealousy takes over, and she begins to spiral.
Lainy, recently single after breaking up with her long-term boyfriend (Damon Wayans Jr.), can’t handle the news of Kate’s pregnancy. Unable to deal with her emotions, she starts pretending to be pregnant herself. She wears a fake baby bump and even attends a prenatal class, where she befriends Megan (Brianne Howey), a real mom-to-be. This leads to an increasingly bizarre series of events, including a romance with Megan’s brother, Josh (Will Forte).
Missed Opportunity for Emotional Depth
While the premise is interesting, Kinda Pregnant struggles to explore its emotional depth. Lainy’s jealousy and internal conflict are central to the story, but these themes never quite come across in a meaningful way. Schumer’s portrayal of Lainy feels underdeveloped, and the friendship between Lainy and Kate lacks the warmth needed to make their bond believable. This lack of emotional connection leaves the film feeling superficial.
Additionally, the movie doesn’t quite balance comedy and emotion. There are some amusing moments, but they don’t feel enough to carry the story. Instead of weaving genuine humor with heartfelt moments, the film relies on awkward gags and forced situations that often miss the mark.
The Comedy: Hit or Miss
The comedy in Kinda Pregnant can be funny at times, but it’s largely hit or miss. Many of the best moments come from the supporting characters, particularly Lizze Broadway and Urzila Carlson, who bring much-needed energy to the film. However, Schumer’s humor, though often clever, feels repetitive, especially as the fake pregnancy storyline drags on for too long. What could have been a funny, heartfelt exploration of identity and motherhood ends up feeling uncomfortable and tedious.
A Formulaic Plot
While the concept of pretending to be pregnant could have led to some unexpected twists, Kinda Pregnant plays out in a predictable and formulaic way. We know from the start that Lainy’s deception will eventually be exposed, but the movie doesn’t provide enough tension or surprises to keep us engaged. The pacing is slow, and the lack of character development leaves little reason for us to care about the outcome.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Kind of Pregnant is a comedy that doesn’t fully deliver. While it has a unique premise and some charming moments, it ultimately fails to balance its humor with the emotional weight of the story. With underdeveloped characters and a predictable plot, the movie struggles to capture the audience’s attention, leaving us wondering what could have been if it had explored its potential more deeply. In the end, it’s a film that seems unsure of its purpose and never quite gets off the ground.
