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Jul 23, 2015 By Zach Hollwedel Web Exclusive

Unexpected—director Kris Swanberg’s new indie drama—is delightfully just that. The film tells the story of Samantha Abbott (Cobie Smulders), a Chicago inner-city science teacher whose unplanned pregnancy occurs concurrently with that of her star pupil, Jasmine (Gail Bean). Sam and Jasmine develop a deep bond, the foundation of which is built squarely on their simultaneous pregnancies, but which naturally grows to encompass much more. As the two become closer, Sam helps Jasmine with college applications, encouraging the 3.8 GPA academic achiever, while struggling with her own unknown future in the face of impending and unexpected motherhood.

A tale about a teacher and an inner-city student bonding over shared pregnancies could easily succumb to saccharine schmaltz. The premise alone lends itself quite readily to formulaic predictability at best and banal melodrama at worst. However, Swanberg—who co-wrote the screenplay with Megan Mercier—deftly defies the odds, eschewing any of the expected treacle, and instead delivering an endearing, heart-warming study of two characters, seemingly mismatched but with so much common ground between them. Smulders and Bean both shine as teacher and student, respectively, and what’s perhaps most impressive is their ability (thanks in large part to Swanberg’s guidance, no doubt) to come off as equals. Sam is just as adrift as Jasmine is; in many ways, she’s more so. Jasmine’s cool headedness—more than almost anything else—keeps Sam level. It’s clear to see why their connection develops so fervently and, more importantly for the success of the film, believably.

Swanberg’s directorial choices lend themselves brilliantly to the story, spanning the full nine months of Sam’s term without lingering solely on the overly dramatic. She devotes equal attention to the small moments as to the grander ones, engendering a fully realized, continuously engaging story that rings honest and moving. A director with a keen eye for pacing and plotting, Swanberg also employs jumps and cuts perfectly, conveying all she needs to further the emotional plot, while simultaneously informing viewers of how much time has passed since the last scene, as well as anything significant that has happened between the beats. Unexpected is a genuine treat, moving, honest, endearing, and full of heart.

www.thefilmarcade.com

Author rating: 7/10