Jan. 20, 2022|United States|92 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama
Description: **Phony 2022: A Thought-Provoking Dive into the Complexities of Pregnancy and Societal Pressures**
**Plot Summary:**
The film “False Positive” delves into the unsettling and often dismissed experiences of pregnancy, particularly through the lens of societal expectations and patriarchal norms. The story repeatedly references the concept of “mommy brain,” a condescending term used to undermine a woman’s autonomy and decision-making during pregnancy. Co-written and directed by John Lee, and starring Ilana Glazer of “Broad City” fame, the film explores the challenges women face within the maternity industry, where their voices are often invalidated.
“False Positive” blends suspense with social commentary, aiming to dissect issues like misogyny, race, corporate culture, and toxic masculinity. However, while the film is rich in ideas, it occasionally falls short of fully realizing its ambitious goals. Glazer, who drew from her own experiences, and Lee bring depth to the narrative but leave some themes underdeveloped. Despite this, the movie stands out for its uniqueness and bold approach to addressing rarely discussed taboos surrounding pregnancy.
The film draws inspiration from classics like Roman Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby,” weaving a New York-based tale of a young, successful woman grappling with fertility issues and a suspicious web of manipulative figures, including her own husband. While “False Positive” doesn’t entirely fulfill its potential as a satire or psychological thriller, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking piece that shines a light on the often-overlooked struggles of motherhood in a patriarchal society.
Cast director: David Bush
Cast actor: Holly Bonney, David Bush, Shiree Nicholas Christopher, Sophia Dietzel, Lorna Street Dopson, Jamie Freeman, Angel Giuffria
Original name: Phony