Have you ever been to one of those stand-up gigs where the comedian succeeds through sheer force of personality? That’s Obvious Child, and its lead, Jenny Slate.

The story is insubstantial and the humour slightly too dependent on bodily functions, but Slate carries it a long way. She is witty and lovably awkward, and you feel for her despite the decidedly first-world problems she faces.

The topic of abortion is handled skilfully and sensitively with a powerful and eye-opening honesty. For those unfamiliar with the realities, two shots in particular stay strong in the mind.

Obvious Child is consistently funny but Robespierre lets the pace flag at key moments. Slate and Cross give great performances, with the former a comic talent to look out for.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffman, David Cross

DIRECTOR: Gillian Robespierre

WRITER: Gillian Robespierre

SYNOPSIS: Brooklyn comedian Donna Stern gets dumped, fired and pregnant just in time for the worst/best St. Valentine’s Day of her life.