Unlike Obvious Child, which remains one of the most miserable viewing experiences of the 21st century, Saint Frances is a legitimately funny movie about abortion that also intelligently weaves in refreshingly straightforward depictions of gay parenting and postpartum depression.
This indie charmer is an impressive feature-writing debut for actress Kelly O’Sullivan (Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party), who also plays magnetic leading lady Bridget, a 34-year-old Chicagoan waitress who has yet to do much with her life.
Bridget’s days receive a boost via strong comedic rapport with new, slightly younger love interest Jace (newcomer Max Lipchitz), with whom she soon navigates an unwanted pregnancy that’s depicted with laudable detail, humor and honesty by O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who is making his feature directorial debut.
While maneuvering those challenges, Bridget is hired by affluent Annie (Lily Mojekwu, Widows) and Maya (Charin Alvarez, Princess Cyd) to be the summer nanny for their 6-year-old daughter Frances (Ramona Edith Williams) while Maya cares for their newborn son — and throughout his protagonist’s journey, Thompson’s style is so free of male gaze that it’s somewhat of a shock to discover that his name isn’t short for Alexandra.
While Saint Frances unfortunately loses track of Jace when Bridget develops eyes for attractive older guitar instructor Isaac (Jim True-Frost, The Hudsucker Proxy) — a largely forgettable and inconsequential tangent — the quality laughs continue as the focus more fully shifts to Bridget and Frances.
Not asked to do anything beyond her capabilities, Williams is instead allowed to lean on her natural comedic gifts and innocence. In turn, she delivers a nicely independent yet smartly directed child performance, rooted in Frances saying the darndest things in public, much to our delight and Bridget’s horror.
As nanny and her ward develop a strong, trusting bond and the complications of Frances’ mothers’ marriage become more pronounced, the film gradually goes from a well-written lark to something far more sweet and substantial.
By its end, Saint Frances also feels surprisingly complete — a rarity for either well-funded or budget-friendly comedies — and solidifies its gifted cast and crew of relative newcomers as talents to watch.
Available to rent for home viewing via a new service, Grail Moviehouse’s Sofa Cinema initiative, at grailmoviehouse.com. The 48-hour rental costs $11.50 and 50% of each purchase goes directly to the theater.
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