(Written by Intern, Kali Coogan)
If one opens social media only to be bombarded by proposal and pregnancy announcements, Scrambled might hit home. Leah McKendrick’s film delves into the profound stress and societal pressures experienced by women in their early to mid-thirties. Nellie Robinson (Leah McKendrick, Bad Moms) confronts these cultural norms as those around her embrace engagements and baby showers, prompting her decision to conserve her eggs. As she navigates this transformative process, Nellie transitions away from her carefree partying days, gaining clarity about her life goals. As someone newly in my thirties, McKendrick’s story struck a chord; I found myself frequently tearing up. A unique and modern take on what many female millennials face, Scrambled weaves a narrative of laughter, tears, and contemplation about one’s own path in life.
Nellie’s journey begins at the wedding reception of her best friend, Sheila (Ego Nwodin, Saturday Night Live). Now a newlywed, Sheila grapples with the reality of no longer being single, as she drops the bombshell of her pregnancy. Subsequently, Nellie encounters an old friend who humorously chides her for not having a serious relationship at the age of thirty-four. She urges her to have children promptly due to the perceived ticking clock on her fertility. These incidents trigger Nellie’s early midlife crisis, prompting her to take charge by initiating the process of preserving her eggs.
During the process, Nellie navigates the highs and lows of a hormonal life transition. Rekindling relationships with her exes and grappling with her judgmental family, Nellie initially appears resistant to growing up. One can eventually see her incremental maturation as days unfold. She realizes that her choice to endure egg retrieval, initially perceived as a means to buy time, serves as the catalyst for her personal growth.
Despite corny speeches, obnoxious music, and excessive dance scenes, Scrambled stands out as a unique mid-life crisis comedy. A blend of humor and emotion, coupled with the metaphorical significance of freezing eggs to “freeze” time, adds a layer of brilliance to the narrative. Authenticity, characterized by genuine characters and dialogue, contributes to its charm and relatability. Nellie’s crisis resonates universally, particularly in women in their thirties grappling with the desire to preserve youth and the reluctance to commit to settling down. Accompanying the engaging story is empathetic acting. McKendrick gives a moving performance, and Andrew Santino, who plays Jesse Robinson, is believable yet hilarious, as always.
While Nellie undergoes significant growth, the transition from a focus on running out of time to a sudden realization that there is no need to rush is seemingly abrupt. There are moments where Nellie’s intentions are unclear. However, ambiguity surrounding Nellie’s ultimate desire for family life or singlehood may be intentional, reflecting the confusion inherent in such crises.
Overall, Scrambled emerges as an exceptional and entertaining comedy with broad relatability. Leah McKendrick captures the comedic and poignant facets of the struggle to move forward in life, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating her future creative endeavors.
Scrambled will be hot and ready to watch in theaters starting Friday, February 2nd.
