There is a large variety of movies about pregnancy and parenthood available on Netflix. Pregnancy and parenthood is a popular and controversial topic, with many new ways to create and raise children, many movies have been produced to show the new life styles, or how to avoid the complicated role of being a parent. Some titles include: Gayby, The Pill, Friends with Kids, Life Happens, What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Switch, and many others. These films may not be appropriate for all viewers due to sexual content, and language, so check the ratings before watching.
Gayby is based on a single and childless yoga teacher Jenn, who looks to her (gay) friend Matt for help. Jenn is thirty-something and feels as though she is running out of time to have a child, rushes to make a decision instead of the traditional way of waiting for the right guy and getting married. Matt would also like a baby, although there are difficulties, Matt and Jenn have a child. Gayby shows that there are alternative ways to having children (other than what is considered normal). Gayby can be found under the categories of: Comedies, Gay and Lesbian Movies, Independent Movies, Gay and Lesbian Comedies, and Independent Comedies. Gayby is one of many parenthood movies that show "the new normal".
The Pill is a film based on the story of a drunken one-night stand and the possibility of pregnancy. The main character Fred has also cheated on his girlfriend with Mindy (the female main character). Fred learns that Mindy isn't taking any birth control and could possibly become pregnant. The movie shows the struggle Fred encounters trying to get Mindy to take the morning-after pill. After she has taken one, he finds out it is a two pill procedure. Although the movie isn't about parenting children, it shows the struggle of two people trying NOT to become parents.
Another example of non-traditional parenting is Friends With Kids. Friends, and only friends, Jason and Julie both want children but see the difficulties their friends have. They consider having a child together, the perfect way to have a baby as they don't want to sacrifice their social lives or careers. This is also a new way that people go about to have children. They want the benefits of children, without all the problems. When Jason and Julie unexpectedly fall in love, things get complicated between the two and their new child.
Life Happens is the story of an accidental pregnancy and the consequences that come with it. The main character has to leave her fun and young life style behind for her baby duties. At first she tries to continue her lifestyle and her responsibilities as a mother. As time goes on, she finds that this is very difficult, leaves her roommates and starts a new lifestyle as an independent mother. This movie shows the difficulties of being a single mother but also gives the message that single mothers can be independent and give their children a good life.
What to Expect When You're Expecting tells the story of the intersecting lives of several couples through twins, adoption, and other circumstances. This film does a good job of showing the ups and downs throughout pregnancy (and the adoption process) not just how wonderful it can be or how much pain you may be in. It really shows you what you should expect when you are expecting a baby. The film is named after the "pregnancy bible" that many mothers have or will read.
The Switch is a comedy based on the story of a single women Kassie, who goes about having a baby with the help from an anonymous sperm donor. It turns out that the donor's sperm is switch with the sperm of her close friend. As the plot continues, he must find a way (and the right time) to tell Kassie the truth. He sees his son growing and being raised by a single mother. He wants to be the father figure he knows he can be, and that the child desires.
Although these decisions in each movie can be criticized harshly, they are each giving people a family. These movies show the hardships and the positives of each experience and although they are fictitious, they are very similar to other's situations. The popularity of new parenthood movies show a break away from tradition to the new forms of starting a family. The movies above, and many others can be found on Netflix.
No comments:
Post a Comment