Haley Lu Richardson and Barbie Ferreira Embark on a Road Trip in New Film ‘Unpregnant’
The timely film on the difficulties of accessing legal abortions debuted its first trailer on August 12.
Based on a book by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, Unpregnant tells the story of Veronica (played by Richardson), a high school senior who discovers she is pregnant. Although she wants to get an abortion, her plans quickly come to a halt: Living in Missouri as a minor means that she cannot get the procedure without parental notification and consent. The only way she can get a legal and safe abortion without her parents knowing is by traveling all the way to Albuquerque, NM. Not wanting to drive hundreds of miles alone, she reaches out to her former best friend, Bailey (Ferreira), for help. The two embark on a trying journey involving deep secrets, thrilling chases, and stolen cars. Hopefully, they’ll figure out how to mend their broken friendship as well.
Directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, Unpregnant gives a comedic twist to an all-too-real scenario faced by many people. Despite abortion being legal in the United States, many areas in the country have “abortion deserts,” in other words, places where there are no clinics that offer the procedure, forcing people to travel hundreds of miles to access one that does. There are also many states, like Missouri, that have laws that can limit a person’s access to legal abortions, such as parental involvement, mandatory counseling, and waiting periods.
She’s Type A without a Plan B. #Unpregnant starring Haley Lu Richardson and Barbie Ferreira is coming soon @hbomax! pic.twitter.com/BGYMC2BVxg
— Unpregnant (@unpregnantmovie) August 12, 2020
The film is incredibly relevant in its subject matter, and it also seems like it will be a fun one to watch. Richardson’s and Ferreira’s chemistry on-screen is undeniable. Pair that up with plenty of comedic shenanigans and a wholesome message a friendship, and you got a movie that you can’t miss.
“Haley and Barbie are just magic together,” Goldenberg shared with IndieWire. “And the response of people who have seen so far has been incredible and it feels timely. I’m thrilled to be getting that one out in the world.”
Mark your calendar for Unpregnant, available for streaming on HBO Max starting September 10.
