“Egg 2019” is a dark comedy that explores the complexities of modern motherhood. The film centers around two couples, one trying to conceive and the other already expecting, who clash over differing views on parenting and gender roles. These conflicting perspectives are portrayed through sharp dialogues and biting sarcasm, culminating in a surprising twist that leaves the audience questioning their own assumptions about parenthood. Overall, “Egg 2019” is an egg-citing and thought-provoking film that cracks open the taboo topics of childbirth and family dynamics.
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Review
In the dystopian classic novel, 1984, George Orwell paints a bleak picture of a future world, where every aspect of one’s life is controlled by an all-powerful government. In the movie “EGG,” we see a similar world, but this time the controlling force is not Big Brother or any authoritarian regime. Instead, it is society itself that dictates how people should live their lives.
The film tells the story of a young couple, Tina and Wayne, who are expecting their first child. They are visited by an old friend from art school named Karen and her husband Don. The four have not seen each other in years and decide to catch up over dinner. But as the night progresses, tensions rise between them as they debate their differing views on parenthood and life.
One of the main themes of “EGG” is the idea that society often puts pressure on people to conform to certain norms and expectations. In this case, it is the societal expectation that having children is a natural and necessary part of life. Tina and Wayne are portrayed as rebels who have chosen not to have children because they believe it would hinder their artistic pursuits.
Karen and Don, on the other hand, see themselves as fulfilling their duty to society by having children. They view parenthood as a way to contribute something meaningful to the world and leave a lasting legacy.
As Karen begins to criticize Tina for not wanting children, tensions rise between them until they finally explode into a heated argument. The dialogue in this scene is particularly well-written, showcasing each character’s beliefs and motivations in a compelling way.
The acting in “EGG” is excellent across the board. Alysia Reiner gives a standout performance as Karen, portraying her complex mix of ambition, insecurity, and frustration with conviction and nuance.
The cinematography also deserves praise for its stylish yet gritty portrayal of New York City at night. The editing provides sharp cuts between scenes, adding to the tension as the characters’ relationships become strained.
Critics have praised “EGG” for its thought-provoking exploration of parenthood and societal expectations. The film has received several accolades, including nominations for Best Actress at the Tribeca Film Festival and Best Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Some viewers may find the film’s ending ambiguous, but this is a deliberate choice by director Marianna Palka to leave room for interpretation. The final scene, in which Tina and Wayne are left alone with Karen’s baby, is haunting and leaves a lasting impact.
In conclusion, “EGG” is a must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema. Its exploration of parenthood and societal expectations is expertly crafted through sharp dialogue, excellent acting, and stylish cinematography. Like Orwell’s novel 1984, it serves as a warning against blindly following cultural norms without questioning their validity.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 90
- Release : 2019-01-18
- Genre : Drama, Comedy
- Cast : Alysia Reiner as Tina, Christina Hendricks as Karen, Anna Camp as Kiki, David Alan Basche as Don, Gbenga Akinnagbe as Wayne
- Crew : David Alan Basche as Producer, Marianna Palka as Director, Alysia Reiner as Producer, Ric Schnupp as Supervising Sound Editor, Zelmira Gainza as Director of Photography
- Popularity 4.411
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : 2 Wonder Full To Be, Over. Easy.
- Summary : Two couples and a surrogate lay bare the complications, contradictions, heartbreak, and absurdities implicit in how we think about motherhood.
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