Film Review: Two Women Create a Human Connection in ‘Unexpected’

CHICAGO – Providing human life to this planet is the dominion of women, given that they gestate new existence through to birth. It was refreshing to see that gender point of view carried to expressive terms in “Unexpected,” the latest film by Chicagoan Kris Swanberg, and featuring Cobie Smulders.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The story is played out in contrast – a white middle class teacher in Chicago and her achieving African American student both find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. There are obvious different issues on the reflective sides of this coin, and the film does an exceptional job bringing them to light without being stereotypical or preachy. The tight screenplay – by director Kris Swanberg – and the achingly organic performances by the two expectant woman plays like a real scenario, allowing the events to unfold with a satisfying natural rhythm.

Samantha (Cobie Smulders) is a teacher and counselor at a mid-level Chicago high school. Her world is rocked when she finds out that she is pregnant by her live-in boyfriend John (Anders Holm). She goes through the usual panic with this unexpected news, but continues to steer her roster of students toward college, including an exceptional achiever named Jasmine (Gail Bean).

As the prospect of having a child becomes imminent for Samantha, even for her reluctant mother Carolyn (Elizabeth McGovern), it is revealed to her that Jasmine has become pregnant by her high school boyfriend. The parallel situation between teacher and student develop into a friendship, but the differences in their pregnancy circumstances and status threaten to drive them apart. As the birth days get closer, their relationship goes through many changes.

”Unexpected” is in limited release, including Chicago, and is available for digital download. See local listings for theaters, show times and download sites. Featuring Cobie Smulders, Gail Bean, Anders Holm and Elizabeth McGovern. Written and directed by Kris Swanberg. Rated “R”