Unpregnant (2020)
Story overview
Unpregnant is a 2020 comedy-drama film about Veronica, a 17-year-old high school student in Missouri who discovers she's pregnant. Fearing this will derail her Ivy League college plans and future career, she embarks on a road trip with her former best friend Bailey to get an abortion in a neighboring state where parental consent isn't required. The film explores themes of friendship, autonomy, and the challenges young women face regarding reproductive rights.
Parent Guide
A thoughtful coming-of-age story about a teenage girl facing an unplanned pregnancy and making difficult decisions about her future. While the subject matter is mature, it's handled with sensitivity and humor. Best for mature teens who can discuss reproductive rights and personal autonomy.
Content breakdown
Some tense moments during the road trip, including a car chase scene and confrontations with protesters. No physical violence shown.
Emotional intensity around the pregnancy decision and family conflicts. Some scenes with abortion protesters might be unsettling for younger viewers.
Some strong language including 'f**k,' 's**t,' and 'a**hole.' Occasional crude humor and sexual references.
Discussion of sex and pregnancy throughout. Some kissing and implied sexual activity (not shown). No nudity. The central plot revolves around pregnancy and abortion.
Brief social drinking by adults. No drug use shown.
Strong emotional themes around friendship, family pressure, and life-changing decisions. Characters experience anxiety, fear, and relief. The abortion decision is treated with seriousness and respect.
Parent tips
This film deals with teenage pregnancy and abortion in a thoughtful, character-driven way. The PG-13 rating reflects mature themes rather than graphic content. Watch with teens to discuss reproductive rights, friendship dynamics, and decision-making. The road trip format provides humor and adventure that balances the serious subject matter.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What did you think about the friendship in the movie?
- Why do you think Veronica wanted to keep her pregnancy a secret?
- What adventures did they have on their road trip?
- How does the film handle the topic of abortion differently than you expected?
- What pressures was Veronica facing regarding her future?
- How does the friendship between Veronica and Bailey evolve throughout their journey?
- What did you think about the film's portrayal of reproductive rights and access?
- How would you support a friend facing a similar situation?
🎭 Story Kernel
At its core, 'Unpregnant' is a poignant exploration of autonomy and the rekindling of a fractured friendship under immense pressure. The movie transcends its abortion-road-trip premise by focusing on Veronica's internal struggle for self-determination against societal and familial expectations, rather than the procedure itself. Bailey's reluctant companionship drives the narrative, revealing how their past rift stemmed from Veronica's conformity to social hierarchies. The journey becomes a metaphor for Veronica reclaiming her identity and Bailey confronting her own vulnerabilities, ultimately arguing that true support means empowering choices without judgment, a message underscored by their evolving dynamic from resentment to unwavering solidarity.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film employs a vibrant, sun-drenched color palette and dynamic road-trip cinematography to contrast the gravity of its subject with a lively, coming-of-age aesthetic. Wide shots of the open American Southwest symbolize freedom and possibility, while tighter, more intimate frames capture the emotional rawness between Veronica and Bailey during confrontations. Visual symbolism is subtle yet effective, such as the recurring motif of cars representing both escape and confinement. The action style blends comedic physicality with tense moments, using quick cuts during chaotic scenes to amplify the protagonists' anxiety, while slower, lingering shots allow for emotional resonance, particularly in quiet conversations that deepen their bond.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The film is based on the 2019 novel by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, with Haley Lu Richardson and Barbie Ferreira bringing authentic chemistry to their roles, reportedly improvising some dialogue to enhance realism. Filming took place across New Mexico, utilizing locations like Albuquerque and Santa Fe to capture the iconic road-trip scenery. Director Rachel Lee Goldenberg emphasized a female-driven production team to ensure sensitive handling of the abortion theme, consulting with reproductive rights organizations for accuracy. The soundtrack features indie pop tracks that mirror the protagonists' youthful energy, curated to complement the film's balance of humor and heartfelt moments.
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Trailer
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