Scrambled is not only laugh out loud funny, but it takes viewers on an emotional journey that they can relate to in several different ways.
There is no doubt that Scrambled is a personal movie for writer, director, and star, Leah McKendrick. It is based on her own experiences freezing her eggs. Often when someone tries to wear three hats in the making of a film, it can cause them to not be fully present in any of the roles. However, Leah absolutely shines in every aspect of Scrambled, and it is because of her that this movie is as emotional and funny, as it is.
Scrambled follows Nellie Robinson (Leah McKendrick) who constantly finds herself between weddings, baby showers, and bad dates. When she begins to feel like the clock is ticking, Nellie decides to freeze her eggs which takes her on an empowering journey where she ultimately discovers “the one” she’s looking for might be herself.
While not all women have gone through this exact experience, this film has something that every one of them can relate to in some way, shape, or form. Whether it is being the single one in a friend group filled with couples, parents pressuring you to be a certain way, dealing with a miscarriage, or simply trying to figure out if you want to have kids or not.
That being said, many male viewers will be able to relate as well. This is not a movie that only women can enjoy, however, it is one that will mean a lot to female viewers. It isn’t often that the uncomfortable and awkward parts of our lives are shown on the screen in a way that is both sensitive and funny. Some of these scenes are very much tackling the “if I don’t laugh, I will cry” of it all, and that is greatly appreciated.
Nellie’s father is played by Clancy Brown, who is kind of a horrible person for the majority of Scrambled. He is easy to hate, or at least be annoyed by, from the start of the movie. This, of course, shows how great an actor Brown is.
At the same time, Nellie and her best friend, played by Ego Nwodim, have instant best friend chemistry. The two are hilarious together and feel as if they have been friends for life. They not only go through the fun stuff together, but the hard stuff too.
It is wonderful to see real life issues that women go through done so well. Leah McKendrick has captured what it feels like to be a woman and put it on screen. While there are certainly some sad and depressing moments, the ending will have you shedding happy tears.
Scrambled is such a beautiful film that is unafraid to tackle real life, but does so in a way that is not only relatable but hilarious. There is a lot to love about this one. Chances are it works so well because it is such a personal story for McKendrick. Sometimes this can hurt a final product, but instead this time it enhanced it.
See Scrambled in select theaters on February 2nd.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
NEXT: Self Reliance Review: Both Hilarious and Touching
About Scrambled
Quintessential eternal bridesmaid Nellie Robinson (Leah McKendrick) constantly finds herself between weddings, baby showers, and bad dates.
When she begins to feel like the clock is ticking and is faced with bleak romantic prospects, Nellie decides to freeze her eggs — setting her on an empowering journey to a brave new world where she ultimately discovers “the one” she’s looking for might be herself.
Lionsgate presents, a Megamix production, in association with BondIt Media Capital.
Scrambled comes to select theaters on February 2nd.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.