Scrambled movie, written and directed by its star Leah McKendrick, is one of the most hilariously nuanced films of the year. Centering on reproductive agency and focusing intently on a woman’s bodily autonomy, the film orbits around Nellie Robinson’s (McKendrick) decision to freeze her eggs and come to terms with the cards dealt in her life.
A woman’s reproductive health and decisions aren’t a topic that should be everyone’s business in the world, but here in America—well, I don’t need to get into it, do I? We all know. We’re fully aware. Yet the story in Scrambled movie allows a woman to make a decision that she feels is right for her while simultaneously highlighting much of the perils and costs that come from making such a monumental choice.
It’s hard not to bring politics into a film like Scrambled when you understand the science of a woman’s reproductive means. Our eggs do, in fact, die at some point. However, in a society that is adamant about controlling our bodies, our reproductive organs, and decisions, especially, it’s awfully telling how expensive (and grueling) the process of freezing one’s eggs can be. Politicians are determined that we pop out babies, yet child care costs an arm and a leg. Health care is another story. And, of course, in the matter of women wanting children but not having a partner to go about the process “naturally,” she still has to pay way too much to ensure that procreation is possible in the future. Make it make sense, America. Make it make sense. Which is it? We’re damned if we do; damned if we don’t.
Scrambled movie could’ve been so on-the-nose with this matter, but instead, McKendrick chooses to frame the film’s narrative with immense depth and heart, relying on a character study to showcase the significant points acutely. In truth, Scrambled movie features the type of premise that could go a myriad of ways, representing every kind of woman in the world because its most vital message isn’t about procreation but it’s about agency. It’s about highlighting just how much we go through and how easy it is for men (whether they’re our family members or politicians) to sit back and criticize our every move without a single ounce of awareness of all that happens inside of us.
Nellie’s decision is essential in detailing that women should be the only ones to control their bodies and everything that happens within. No one should force anything upon them, and no one should push them to make any sort of decision where they won’t be carrying the weight of its ramifications. Again, its most impressive feat is the subtlety, the nuances, and the quiet depth, ensuring that the film’s best scene is when one woman holds the other’s hand when they don’t want to be alone.
At the same time, Scrambled movie illuminates the notion that not everyone wants to be alone, and that’s okay, too. We pass judgment so frequently without fully understanding the crosses another person carries. We think we know because it’s how we might feel, yet women are complex human beings, and our desires, no matter how different they look from our neighbors’ wants, count just as much. It’s hilariously bold and gorgeously warm, resulting in the kind of film that’s tailor-made for women in their thirties.
Scrambled movie is now available on video on demand.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Lionsgate