Obvious Child 2014
Directed by
Gillian Robespierre
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Obvious Child (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
After finishing a set at her usual comedy venue, Donna Stern finds herself heartbroken when her boyfriend, Ryan, abruptly breaks up with her in the bathroom, revealing he is leaving her for one of her friends. This shocking revelation sends Donna spiraling into a deep depression. Following a drunken mishap during her next performance, where she bitterly lashes out at her ex, she unexpectedly encounters Max at a bar. Although Max is there on business, having missed her set, an undeniable chemistry sparks between them, leading to a one-night stand. However, the morning after, Donna slips away from Max’s apartment without a word.
Weeks later, while trying on clothes, Donna becomes alarmed by breast soreness and suspects a potential pregnancy. A subsequent home pregnancy test confirms her fears. Seeking advice, she visits a Planned Parenthood clinic to arrange for an abortion, but the only available appointments coincide with significant dates—her mother’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. She ultimately opts for Valentine’s Day.
As fate would have it, Max seeks out Donna at the bookstore where she works, leading to a series of awkward meetings. Their paths cross again when Max returns a book to Nancy, Donna’s mother and a former professor of his. During a dinner, Donna contemplates revealing her pregnancy and abortion plans to Max but hesitates after he expresses a desire to become a grandfather someday. Later, she invites Max to her comedy show, but after the set gets canceled, she ends up with another man, Sam, but quickly realizes that evening is not what she wants.
In distress, Donna confides in her mother about her upcoming abortion, who comforts her by sharing her own experience with the procedure before Donna was born. Struggling with her emotions, Donna attempts to reach out to Max, leaving several voicemail apologies and expressing her need to talk. Determined to have a candid discussion, she invites him to her next performance, but as she nervously takes the stage to tell the audience about her pregnancy, Max walks out.
However, on the day of her abortion, a thoughtful Max shows up at her place with flowers, offering to accompany her to the clinic. There, he reassures her of his support and clarifies that his earlier remark about wanting to be a grandfather was meant for the distant future, rather than as an immediate expectation. Following the procedure, they return to Max’s place, where he prepares her a comforting cup of tea, and the evening culminates in watching the classic film Gone with the Wind, suggesting a burgeoning connection between them amidst the tumultuous events of their lives.
Timeline
Track the key events of Obvious Child (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Breakup in the Bathroom
Donna Stern's life takes a dramatic turn when her boyfriend Ryan unexpectedly breaks up with her in the bathroom after one of her comedy sets. His confession that he is leaving her for one of her friends leaves her heartbroken and spiraling into a depression.
Spiraling into Depression
The shock of the breakup plunges Donna into a deep depression, affecting her personal and professional life. She feels lost and angry, struggling to cope with her emotions as she grapples with the betrayal of her boyfriend.
Drunken Mishap
During her next comedy performance, distraught over the breakup, Donna drunkenly lashes out at her ex and her situation. This unexpected outburst leads to an encounter with Max at a bar, sparking an undeniable chemistry between them.
One-Night Stand
Donna and Max's chemistry culminates in a one-night stand after their chance meeting at the bar. However, the following morning, Donna quietly slips out of Max's apartment, leaving behind a fleeting connection.
Pregnancy Scare
Weeks later, Donna experiences breast soreness and fears she may be pregnant. After taking a home pregnancy test, her worst fears are confirmed, leading her to seek advice about her options.
Planned Parenthood Visit
Donna visits a Planned Parenthood clinic to arrange for an abortion, only to find that the available appointments coincide with significant dates in her life. After much consideration, she chooses Valentine's Day for the procedure.
Awkward Encounters with Max
Max seeks out Donna at the bookstore where she works, leading to a series of awkward meetings filled with unspoken tension. Their paths cross again when Max returns a book to Nancy, Donna's mother—adding to the complexity of their relationship.
Dinner Discussion
During a dinner gathering, Donna considers revealing her pregnancy and abortion plans to Max. However, she hesitates after he expresses a desire to be a grandfather someday, complicating her emotions and thoughts about the future.
Cancelled Comedy Show
Hoping to reconnect with Max, Donna invites him to her comedy show, but the set ultimately gets canceled. In her disappointment, she finds herself with another man named Sam but realizes that the connection she craves is with Max.
Confiding in Her Mother
In distress over her upcoming abortion, Donna confides in her mother, who reassures her by sharing her own experience with the procedure. This conversation provides Donna with a sense of comfort as she prepares for her decision.
Voicemail Apologies
Struggling with her feelings, Donna leaves multiple voicemail messages for Max, expressing her need to talk about their relationship and her situation. The urgency in her voice reflects her inner turmoil and desire for connection.
Invitation to Perform
Determined to have an honest conversation, Donna invites Max to her next performance, hoping to share her news. As she prepares to take the stage, the weight of her truth looms over her, intensifying her anxiety about what to reveal.
Max Walks Out
During her performance, just as Donna gathers the courage to tell the audience about her pregnancy, Max unexpectedly walks out. This moment signifies both a sense of loss for Donna and the ongoing complexity of their relationship.
Support on Abortion Day
On the day of her abortion, Max surprises Donna by showing up at her home with flowers, ready to offer support. His gesture symbolizes the depth of his feelings and commitment to be there for her during this difficult time.
Healing Together
After the abortion, Max takes Donna back to his place where he makes her tea and they share a comforting moment. Watching the classic film *Gone with the Wind* together signifies a potential new beginning for their relationship amidst the chaos.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Obvious Child (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Donna Stern
Donna is a passionate and vulnerable comedian navigating the complexities of love, heartbreak, and an unexpected pregnancy. Her character displays resilience as she confronts her emotions and seeks support from those around her. Throughout the film, Donna's journey highlights the struggles and triumphs of modern womanhood.
Max
Max is a charming and attentive man who unexpectedly crosses paths with Donna, igniting a complex connection between them. He demonstrates genuine care and support for Donna, especially during her emotional turmoil, navigating his own desires while being sensitive to her needs. His character provides a counterbalance to Donna's struggles, embodying compassion and understanding.
Ryan
Ryan is Donna's ex-boyfriend whose abrupt decision to leave her for a friend triggers the chain of events leading to her emotional struggles. His character represents the unpredictability of relationships and the hurt that can accompany breakups. While his impact on Donna is significant, he serves primarily as a catalyst for her self-discovery.
Nancy
Nancy, Donna's mother, provides emotional support and wisdom as Donna navigates through her abortion decision. Her own experiences offer comfort and relatability, allowing Donna to feel less alone in her struggles. Nancy's character emphasizes the importance of maternal guidance and understanding.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Obvious Child (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events in the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues such as relationships, personal struggles, and reproductive rights. The time period emphasizes the challenges faced by young women today, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience.
Location
Comedy venue, Bar, Bookstore, Planned Parenthood clinic
The story takes place in a vibrant urban setting where Donna navigates her life as a comedian. The comedy venue represents the highs and lows of her career, while the bar serves as a critical meeting point for her and Max, marking the start of their complicated relationship. The bookstore where she works adds to Donna's character development and serves as a backdrop for their subsequent encounters. The Planned Parenthood clinic symbolizes a critical juncture in Donna's life, highlighting issues surrounding women's health and personal choice.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Obvious Child (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Heartbreak
At its core, the film revolves around the theme of heartbreak, as Donna deals with the sudden end of her relationship with Ryan. This emotional turmoil sets the stage for her subsequent encounters and decisions, driving her character's journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
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Pregnancy Choices
A significant theme is the complexity surrounding unplanned pregnancy and the choices that come with it. Donna's journey to make decisions about her body and her future highlights the emotional and social intricacies that many women face, reinforcing the importance of autonomy.
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Comfort and Support
The film also explores the theme of comfort and support, particularly as Max stands by Donna during her difficult moments. Their evolving relationship reflects the importance of having someone to lean on during trying times, showcasing how connections can be formed amidst chaos.
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