Preggoland

Preggoland is an engaging Canadian comedy-drama film released in 2014. Directed by Jacob Tierney and written by Sonja Bennett, the film taps into the intricate and often complex relational dynamics of adulthood, portrayed through a unique lens of humor, social expectation, and personal growth. The film stars Sonja Bennett, Laura Harris, Carrie Ruscheinsky, and Denise Jones, whose performances bring life, depth, and charm to this exceptional narrative.

Sonja Bennett, who also serves as the scriptwriter for Preggoland, plays the role of Ruth, the vibrant and extremely relatable lead protagonist. In her mid-thirties, Ruth finds herself trailing behind her peers as they shift gears into the conventional life lanes of marriage, parenthood, and general adulthood. Her character is not your typical heroine, but rather a disarrayed, party-loving woman working as a cashier in a local grocery store, living a carefree, independent, and uncomplicated life, contrary to societal expectations.

The film commences by diverting a magnified lens onto Ruth's already complicated life, pulled further into controversy by a mistaken assumption. When an innocent misunderstanding leads people to believe she’s pregnant, Ruth finds herself suddenly enveloped in newfound attention and respect, not just from her family, but conveniently from her peers as well. However, this conception is simply a result of an innocent mix-up. Instead of correcting the misconstrued reality, Ruth decides to ride the wave of this false perception, maneuvering herself into the world of faux pregnancy.

The plot further explores the hilarious yet touching journey Ruth undertakes to keep up her pretense. Laura Harris, Carrie Ruscheinsky, and Denise Jones join this journey playing central characters, each providing nuanced understanding and perspectives of womanhood, friendship, and the societal pressures tagged along with it.

Sporting her new 'mom-to-be' glow and status, Ruth ventures into amusing escapades. From indulging in the societal privileges showered on pregnant women to relishing the all-too-important respect that she always yearned for, Ruth turns into a symbol of friendship and motherhood, basking in the attention and care that her pretense brings about.

Nevertheless, the heart of Preggoland is not merely fixed on the humor derived from Ruth's tendency for complications and conspiracies. The film unravels multiple layers of emotional, personal, and societal observations as it progresses. This comedy-drama is keen on addressing questions about friendship, societal norms, and happiness with a bold yet sensitive, and thought-provoking narrative.

The misunderstandings and comedic adventures are paired brilliantly with moments of self-reflection and introspection. Ruth's journey oscillates between light-hearted humor and touching moments of self-realization, making Preggoland more than just a comedy. It becomes a narrative of growth and self-discovery, an exploration into the notions of womanhood and societal expectations, and a questioning of happiness as viewed by others and as experienced individually.

The brilliant direction by Jacob Tierney, combined with the sparkling and intelligent script by Bennett, successfully portrays these tones with grace, subtlety, and an aura of authenticity. The show-stealer is undoubtedly Sonja Bennett, who masterfully shifts between the light and heavy moments of the film, portraying a character who is flawed, eccentric, yet endearing.

Preggoland is a delight for lovers of indie films and fans of meaningful comedies. The infectious charm, cringe-worthy situations, heartfelt revelations, and fine performances by the cast make it a compelling watch. Moreover, the film offers a refreshing perspective on the multitude of pressures and expectations associated with womanhood, cleverly blending humor and poignancy. It is a profound reflection on the perceptions surrounding age, societal norms, happiness, and identity, making it a flick worthy of discussion and reflection.

In a nutshell, Preggoland is a rollicking rollercoaster ride of emotions. With its unique premise, well-rounded characters, clever humor and poignant undertones, the movie brings forth an entertaining, thoughtful, and ultimately heartwarming cinematic experience. It is sure to leave the audience laughing, pondering, and keen for a re-watch. Against the backdrop of comedy, it resonates with a powerful message nudging the viewers to reassess societal expectations and individual happiness. Preggoland is sure to strike a chord with those who appreciate unconventional and thought-provoking narratives.