Premature Review: Sunny Charm and Screwball Energy

First-time director Kevin Walls' film "Premature" delivers a sunny Scottish comedy centered on an unexpected pregnancy, balancing a sweet-natured tone with screwball energy. The narrative follows Eilidh, an art school dropout in her 20s, who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. The film navigates the period before parenthood, depicting a couple embarking on their first date at three months pregnant, a scenario that subverts typical life timelines where individuals often postpone starting families to establish careers. Despite its low budget, the film generates a screwball-ish energy by presenting situations that are "skew-whiffly the wrong way round," as described by the review. The charm of the film is noted as sufficient to counteract some "thunderously awful comedy moments." Elle Watson portrays Eilidh, who works as a barista in a museum cafe. Her relationship with her flatmate, Cameron, played by James Rottger, is described as a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Cameron is employed in finance and is on the cusp of securing his dream job interview after completing two degrees, accumulating significant student debt, and enduring years in a monotonous entry-level position. The review highlights that having a baby would be a significant disruption to Cameron's career aspirations. However, Eilidh decides against taking abortion tablets, unable to articulate a clear reason for her choice beyond a "gut feeling." Director Kevin Walls is commended for his sensible approach in avoiding the complexities of the pro-choice/anti-abortion debate, focusing instead on the personal decision-making process. The film's narrative is characterized by its sweetness and charm, which are presented as key elements in its appeal. The review suggests that the film's ability to generate a screwball energy, stemming from the unconventional circumstances, contributes to its unique comedic style. The performances of Elle Watson and James Rottger are implicitly central to conveying this dynamic. The film's setting in Scotland is also a contextual element, potentially influencing its tone and visual style. The review positions "Premature" as a debut effort that, while not without its flaws, succeeds in creating a memorable and engaging cinematic experience through its earnest portrayal of an unusual situation and its reliance on charm and energetic pacing. The film's success in balancing potentially heavy themes with a lighthearted, screwball approach is a recurring point of emphasis. The review implies that the film's "sunny charm" is a deliberate artistic choice designed to make the subject matter more accessible and entertaining for the audience. The "surprise-pregnancy comedy" genre is explored through a lens that prioritizes character relationships and emotional resonance over explicit dramatic conflict, a strategy that appears to be a hallmark of Walls' directorial debut. The film's modest budget is mentioned as a factor, suggesting that its achievements are notable given the financial constraints. The overall impression is of a film that, despite some comedic missteps, offers a refreshing and charming take on a relatable yet complex life event.