Gayby

I'm as open minded as the next guy, but I was just not the target audience for "Gayby." The film takes place in a world that might as well have been a foreign country as far as I'm concerned. This world in which straight men apparently don't even exist, and where friends see more of each other's bodies than their own doctors do, resembles nothing I've ever experienced myself. It's diverting at best, and I appreciate a film about the different forms a family can take. But I can't say I was overwhelmed with joy to see the two main characters in this film, a gay man and a single woman, succeed in their goal to have a baby together when neither can seem to get their own lives together, let alone display the ability to take care of a third.

I felt like a guest at a party listening to a toast given in a language that I don't speak.

Grade: B-

This film is about a straight woman trying to have a baby, the only problem is that she is single. Her gay best friend saves the day by agreeing to help her procreate.

I find "Gayby" a hilarious film. It's light hearted and funny throughout the story. The scene where they first attempt to procreate is very well made, as the awkwardness and embarrassment in the air is shown with a hilarious touch. The story is quite positive as well, even though the lead characters are not super successful people, they are portrayed to be good people that are down to earth and easy to relate to. The film was shot with a comfortable budget, which is a welcomed change for gay films. The sets and settings are nice, and the film appears professionally made. I enjoyed watching "Gayby" a lot, and I found it entertaining.

Comedy-drama about two 30-something friends--Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas). They decide to have a baby--the natural way. Problem is Matt is gay. This leads to very predictable situations and a big old happy ending that I didn't believe for one second.

The two leads are good actors and attractive (especially Wilkas) but this has been done before. The script is predictable, the minor characters are more caricatures than real people (especially Jenn's VERY vicious sister) and I was not that entertained. However it DOES have some funny moments, some hot guy-on-guy kissing and it does have a sweet easy-going feeling about it. I just found it a little too predictable. I can only give it a 5.

Far from the usual cliche, cleaned-up straight versions of single women getting pregnant by accident or design, "Gayby" is a full-on gay tour de force of sometimes farcical, many times profound and always real human interaction. Writer and director Lewiski, ironically, casts himself in the most superficial role as "Nellie" a newly-made gay "Bear" whose effeminate demeanor and catty wisdom serve as both comic relief and moral anchor for the rest of the outstanding cast, which includes, surprisingly, now distinguished actor Adam Driver in an early, minor role. Throughout , this tale of two best friends--one gay, one straight--who decide in their 30s to procreate "the old-fashioned way," has a unique and sweetly real quality that deals with the actual logistics of gay/straight copulation in ways both touching (pun intended), and absurd. The emotions, insecurities, friendships and even the average, non-movie-star appearance of the central characters, as well as their natural, seemingly improvised dialogue and performances, overall, are refreshing. Although one very predictable plot twist to provide some conflict for the characters comes up, its equally predictable resolution is still very satisfying and the tying up of loose ends for all the characters leaves the viewer with a smile on their face and a new appreciation for all the friends we consider family, and family who become friends. Don't miss this hidden gem on Hulu!!

Reading the two absurdly negative reviews here I felt compelled to write a brief rebuttal. This was hilariously funny, sharp and extremely enjoyable (yes even to non-target audience like me), and if you enjoy supporting independent film, this should be up near the top of your list to see.

Someone else mentioned soft core pornography. This is a film about a woman trying to get pregnant, for which one must (in most cases) have sex. In this case it happens to be with her gay best friend. I thought these scenes were brilliantly handled - very funny and original. I cannot imagine how that could fall into any other category.

See this film, trust me, you'll enjoy it.