Summary
Amy Schumer delivers her usual chaos in a fun, light watch filled with familiar gags and formulas, though it never quite pushes beyond the expected.
It’s been a while since we last saw a feature-length showcase of Amy Schumer’s brand of humour, particularly one she’s co-written. Following the conclusion of Life & Beth on television, KINDA PREGNANT (as the title suggests) aims for an irreverent take on parenthood, extending the self-aware comedy that fans loved in Inside Amy Schumer.
Schumer doesn’t stray far from what has worked for her before, quickly establishing the tone (alongside co-writer Julie Paiva) through a mix of visual gags, sharp verbal exchanges, and a healthy dose of absurdism. An early example sees supporting player Urzila Carlson wandering the halls of a school, vaping and telling students they smell like cocaine—a clear statement of intent. Like much of modern comedy, it throws a group of comedians into a premise and lets the chaos unfold.
Schumer’s character, Lainy, is a teacher in her early forties who has always dreamed of becoming a mother. Deep into a relationship with Dave (Marlon Wayans Jr.), she believes she’s on the verge of an engagement—only for him to reveal that what he really wants is a threesome. Heartbroken, she turns to her best friend, Kate (Jillian Bell), who, in a case of unfortunate timing, announces she’s pregnant.
Determined not to appear jealous and feeling increasingly sidelined by Kate’s growing bond with a pregnant co-worker, Lainy finds herself tangled in an elaborate lie. Strapping on a fake baby bump in search of connection, she joins a prenatal yoga class, where she befriends expectant mum Megan (Brianne Howey). But when she starts developing feelings for Megan’s brother, Josh (Will Forte), her deception spirals further out of control. Hilarity ensues.
There’s a clear rhythm and formula to Schumer’s approach here, particularly in how she balances laughs with moments of pathos. Director Tyler Spindel, working under the banner of his uncle’s Happy Madison Productions, is well-versed in this kind of material and ensemble-driven comedy. As such, he ensures the supporting funny folk get plenty of room to play. Indeed, Carlson and Lizzie Broadway often steal scenes from the leads, even if their subplots add little to Lainy’s arc.
Schumer sets up her character as difficult to connect with, especially as the lies start piling up, but there’s an undeniable watchability to the interactions between Forte and Schumer, in particular. Strip away the expected gags—Lainy’s fake stomach catching fire, increasingly ridiculous attempts to appear pregnant, a gender reveal party gone wrong—and what remains is a duo with genuine screen chemistry. Their easy banter could lean into neo-screwball territory if nudged just a little further, but Schumer and co never quite allow themselves the luxury of sentiment.
It would be easy to dismiss Schumer’s oeuvre at this point, especially if you’re seeking something profoundly revolutionary in an increasingly uncertain world. Still, it manages to elicit a few genuine smiles and enough laughs to make it ideal streaming fodder.
2025 | USA | DIRECTOR: Tyler Spindel | WRITERS: Julie Paiva, Amy Schumer | CAST: Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Brianne Howey, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., Lizzie Broadway, Urzila Carlson | DISTRIBUTOR: Netflix | RUNNING TIME: 98 minutes | RELEASE DATE: 5 February 2025 (Global)
