AMERICAN BABY: A Review Of The Teen Pregnancy Festival Darling

Cinema Scholars reviews the teenage pregnancy drama American Baby, directed by Ellen Rodnianski. The film won the Audience Award last fall at the Austin Film Festival and, more recently, took the Grand Jury Prize at the Dallas International Film Festival.

Introduction

Cautionary tales about teen pregnancy are eternally popular. From 80s classics like For Keeps or Fast Times At Ridgemont High to Riding In Cars With Boys and Juno (plus MTV’s Teen Mom series and a plethora of Lifetime melodramas), stories about knocked-up high schoolers are unfortunately as enduring as ever.

In the new festival darling American Baby, director Ellen Rodnianski tells a simple, heartbreaking tale about teen pregnancy and harsh judgment in Bible Belt Texas.

Synopsis

The story begins as a very pregnant Oli regards her swollen belly in the mirror while getting ready for school. Though she pleads with her mom to let her drive their car, she insists Oli walk “for the exercise”. Soon, however, the short jaunt proves to be more like a walk of shame as people in the school drop-off lane gawk at the young soon-to-be mother.

From here, Oli suffers a cascade of insulting events. An extremely questionable suspension from school. Rejection at her former church. A lost friendship with her ride-or-die bestie. And a parent-mandated no contact order between Oli and her crush and partner in the fiasco, Toby. With nowhere to turn and childbirth imminent, Oli copes the only way possible by taking matters into her own hands.

Discussion

Co-written by Rodnianski and Tanya Leonova, the background behind Oli’s story unfolds in a series of flashbacks. Instead of the typical “one, two, three months earlier,” Oli’s timeline is revealed in gestational weeks. Rewinding 35 weeks leading up to the conception, 27 weeks before when she takes the pregnancy test, etc.

Not only do these gradual reveals explain Oli’s predicament, but the non-linear timeline punctuates the unfairness of the situation. Oli goes from a naive and curious girl to a scared and ostracized teen mom whose only choice is to “Have the baby and raise it to be a good Baptist.” Even as those who claim to support her decision ultimately shun her.

Angsty kids often feel as if the whole world is against them, but in Oli’s case, it’s pretty much true. As her impossible situation and pregnancy progress, parallel themes abound. A lack of sex ed and reproductive misinformation, religious differences and the immigrant experience, and even suicide in the school community spark further thought on the complexity of the teenage experience.

Performances

American Baby absolutely hinges on the incredible leading performance from Abigail Pniowsky as Oli. The young actor painfully captures the before and after of her character’s attitude and energy. From clever 15-year-old “prude” to slut-shamed pariah, Pniowsky deftly embodies Oli’s painful plight with an authentic and bittersweet take on the once-naive character.

As Tammy, Janel Kolowski plays Oli’s problematic mother with careful consideration. Though her tactics and judgment are clearly questionable, it is clear that she has the best intentions for her daughter. Kolowski’s sincere portrayal helps elevate her character from a possible villain to a well-meaning yet fallible family member. 

In the limited screen time he has, Elisha Henig brings a much-needed sweetness to his take on baby daddy Toby. Through awkward romance and sincere care for Oli, Henig crafts the most surprising and likable character of the film.

Further Analysis

Rodnianski paints an accurate, if not sometimes heavy-handed portrait of religious small town Texas. Though all the ridicule Oli suffers seems to go to the extreme, viewers who grew up in this region can attest to only a little hyperbole here. Additional details like gravel railroad crossings, church bake sales, and the omnipresent southern favorite Dr. Pepper, capture a pretty accurate snapshot of rural Bible Belt life.

Though not exactly adventurous in visual scope, the simple style complements the troubling subject matter. Additionally, simple acoustic guitar cues not only illustrate a small town vibe, but also serve as a poignant soundscape for Oli’s huge life change.

American Baby examines the typical unfairness of a young mother’s struggle, but it also touches on the anguish and lack of control on the side of the expectant father. This refreshing perspective provides another element that saves the story from being completely overwrought.

Conclusion

American Baby is a bittersweet look at the complexities of adolescence and the consequences of youthful naivety. In the best circumstances, an extraordinary challenge like teen pregnancy is serious business. But in the context of constant judgment, a lack of choice, and questionable support, the situation seems completely insurmountable.

Thankfully, American Baby provides a take that is painfully realistic and introspective without diving fully into the doldrums with a surprisingly upbeat ending.

There’s no word yet on a release for the film. But considering its Audience Award win at the Austin Film Festival as well as the Grand Jury Prize at the Dallas International Film Festival, American Baby is sure to find its way to a screen near you. So stay tuned!

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