Gayby

Gayby is an enchanting dramatic comedy film released in 2012, directed by Jonathan Lisecki, and featuring genuinely touching performances from Jenn Harris, Anna Margaret Hollyman, and Matthew Wilkas. The movie is a testament to the complexity of human relationships and the unconventional paths to family that people can take. It takes a remarkably fresh and honest approach to a subject that is often misunderstood or oversimplified, displaying a storyline layered with humor, authenticity, and heartfelt themes on friendship, parenthood, and self-discovery.

The plot orbits around Jenn (played by Jenn Harris), a thirty-something single woman, and her gay best friend Matt (portrayed by Matthew Wilkas). Their enduring friendship is the centerpiece for much of the humor and warmth that permeates the film. Both are struggling to find fulfillment in their respective love lives and have yet to shake off the long shadows of past relationships. They share lingering, unaddressed romantic disappointments from their pasts and unresolved emotions that create a backdrop for their current condition of lovelessness.

In the depths of their loneliness and shared frustration, Matt and Jenn hit upon a joint solution to their dilemmas — a decision to have a baby together, the old-fashioned way. The term 'Gayby,' from where the movie gets its title, comes into play here. However, this unorthodox path to parenthood creates situational humor while shining light upon the bond between the duo who've known each other since college.

Jenn works at a yoga studio and represents the quintessential modern woman dealing with societal pressures and biological clocks. Her resilience and independent spirit, coupled with her desire to be a mother, are on full display throughout the film. Similarly, Matt is an endearing comic book store employee who’s navigating his way through the gay dating scene, often amending the fact that he's about to become a father into his introductions.

Anna Margaret Hollyman brings a strong supporting performance to the film as Jenn's best friend, who provides a clever contrast with her own experiences of motherhood, while navigating her personal and professional life.

Throughout Gayby, situational comedy interweaves effortlessly with profound moments of self-reflection from the characters. The film never shies away from tackling difficult themes but maintains a stark sense of humor about the vagaries of life. In particular, the dialogue is sharp, witty, and unflinchingly honest, encapsulating the friendship dynamics, dating disappointments, and the broad strokes of life as a thirty-something in the city.

The film excels in demonstrating how the different strands of their life come to intersect within the context of their unique 'baby-making' agreement. It serves as a sort of love letter to the undying bonds of friendship while exploring the unconventional ways that familial units can form, challenging traditional norms and assumptions about parenthood.

Jonathan Lisecki’s direction brings out nuanced performances from the cast, lending credibility to the emotional heft and the humorous interludes within the film. The realistic portrayal of modern relationships, unfiltered discussions of sex and fertility, and a delicate touch of contemporary urban life all combine to give the film an air of authenticity that resonates with the audience.

The cinematography of Gayby is visually engaging, capturing the nuances of the film's setting effectively. The film also boasts an indie vibe that's well-aligned with its offbeat storyline, and the setting of a bustling urban city serves as the perfect backdrop to the adventures of Jenn and Matt.

In essence, Gayby is a refreshingly real and humane romantic comedy that opens discussion about modern parenthood with a good deal of humor, sincerity, and empathy. It's an unflinching exploration of the boundaries of friendships, the yearning for motherhood, and the search for love. It's a film that pays homage to the beautiful complexities of relationships, while acknowledging the humor that life often presents in the most unexpected places. Regardless of twists and turns, the film underscores the universal need for love, companionship, and the concept of family in its myriad forms.