A Hilariously Messy Rom Com with Heart
Amy Schumer stars in Kinda Pregnant, a comedy drama about love, lies, and fake baby bumps. Directed by Tyler Spindel (The Out Laws), this 2025 film mixes slapstick humor with heartfelt moments, offering a fresh twist on the rom com formula. With sharp writing by Julie Paiva and Schumer herself, the movie delivers laughs while asking: How far would you go to rewrite your life story?
Plot and Themes
Lainy (Schumer), a single woman tired of dating apps and societal pressure, fakes a pregnancy to win back her ex. But her plan backfires when she meets James (Will Forte), a sweetly awkward teacher who thinks her “bump” is real. As lies pile up, Lainy faces messy consequences and discovers unexpected truths about herself. The film tackles themes of self-worth, societal expectations, and the chaos of modern dating. While the fake pregnancy trope isn’t new, the script adds depth by focusing on Lainy’s vulnerability beneath her bold facade.
Cast and Performances
Schumer leans into her comedic strengths, nailing Lainy’s over the top schemes and quieter moments of doubt. Her physical comedy like struggling to “give birth” using a ketchup bottle steals scenes, but her chemistry with Will Forte grounds the story. Forte plays James with gentle charm, avoiding the “perfect guy” cliché by showing his own insecurities. Jillian Bell shines as Lainy’s skeptical best friend, delivering sarcastic one-liners that cut through the chaos.
Direction and Pacing
Spindel keeps the tone light, using bright visuals and fast paced edits to match Lainy frantic energy. Suburban settings a Target parking lot, a chaotic baby shower add relatability. However, the film occasionally rushes emotional beats. A third act argument between Lainy and James resolves too neatly, leaning on rom com conventions instead of digging deeper. Still, the brisk 97-minute runtime ensures few dull moments.
Humor and Heart
The script balances absurdity with sincerity. A montage of Lainy practicing “pregnant” poses in the mirror is pure comedy gold, while a late night confession between her and James tugs at heartstrings. Schumer and Paiva’s writing excels when mocking societal obsessions with motherhood, like a cringe worthy scene where strangers touch Lainy fake belly without asking. But the film stumbles in quieter moments, sometimes prioritizing jokes over character growth.
Criticisms and Standouts
Kinda Pregnant isn’t groundbreaking. Some plot twists feel predictable, and secondary characters (like Lainy’s judgmental sister) lack depth. Yet the cast’s commitment elevates the material. Bell’s deadpan delivery of lines like “This is the worst plan since Hindenburg 2” adds bite, while Forte’s awkward dance during a baby store date feels authentically endearing.
Audience Appeal
Fans of Schumer’s Trainwreck or I Feel Pretty will enjoy this mix of raunchy humor and self-discovery. The film’s focus on female friendship and societal pressure gives it broader appeal, though its jokes about pregnancy may split viewers.
Final Verdict
Kinda Pregnant is a fun, flawed rom-com that knows its strengths. Schumer’s comedic timing and the cast’s chemistry make up for a formulaic plot, offering enough laughs and warmth to satisfy genre fans. While it won’t rewrite the rom com rulebook, it’s a solid choice for a girls’ night or lazy Sunday watch.
The film reminds us that life rarely goes as planned but sometimes, the messiest lies lead to the truest connections. Grab popcorn, suspend disbelief, and let Schumer’s chaotic charm win you over. Kinda Pregnant might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s the kind of movie that leaves you smiling. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.