Society continues to impose an invisible rulebook on women, filled with arbitrary milestones: conventional beauty, stable marriage, compulsory motherhood. Even those who try to break free from these expectations inevitably feel their weight. However, these pressures don’t just come from broader social circles; often, they stem from within the home, where parental approval becomes an unspoken necessity, reinforcing the urge to conform.
Amy Schumer, with her sharp humor and critical eye, turns this dilemma into comedy in “Kinda Pregnant”, a Netflix film directed by Tyler Spindel. In addition to playing the protagonist, Lainy Newton, Schumer co-wrote the screenplay with Julie Paiva, crafting a story that flirts with absurdity while remaining deeply relatable. Lainy grew up believing that happiness was tied to building the perfect family, a life plan that seemed unquestionable. Her best friend, Kate (Jillian Bell), never shared this vision — without marriage aspirations or interest in motherhood, she carved a different path. Yet, life’s unpredictability appears to favor Kate, whose journey unfolds smoothly, while Lainy struggles with constant setbacks.
The harshest blow comes when Lainy, expecting a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Dave (Damon Wayans Jr.), is instead blindsided by a breakup. To make matters worse, Kate announces her pregnancy, throwing Lainy into a spiral of comparisons and insecurities. In a desperate, irrational impulse, she decides to fake a pregnancy, using a prosthetic belly to infiltrate a prenatal yoga class. There, she meets Megan (Brianne Howey), an expectant mother who quickly embraces her as a confidante, unaware of the deception at play.
As the lie spirals out of control, things become even more complicated when Lainy falls for Megan’s brother, who also believes she’s pregnant. The film thrives on the precarious game Lainy plays, pushing her into increasingly cringeworthy situations as she scrambles to sustain the illusion. Schumer leans into the discomfort of comedy to expose her character’s deep-seated anxieties and paralyzing fear of societal failure.
Beyond its humor, “Kinda Pregnant” presents a deeper reflection: how far can the need to fit into predefined roles drive someone to absurd choices? The script suggests that the illusion of control over life’s milestones is often self-deception and that some experiences — love, motherhood, emotional stability — cannot be rushed without consequences. Schumer’s irreverent approach not only entertains but also challenges the rigid ideals of female success dictated by social expectations. Between moments of laughter and secondhand embarrassment, the film ultimately asserts that true fulfillment isn’t about meeting imposed standards but about embracing one’s own pace and path.
Film: Kinda Pregnant
Director: Tyler Spindel
Year: 2025
Genres: Comedy
Rating: 7/10