At the Movies: The Broken Hearts Gallery, Unpregnant, Coastal Elites
BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN
The Broken Hearts Gallery
Natalie Krinsky is the first-time feature director behind “The Broken Hearts Gallery,” a romantic comedy that stars Geraldine Viswanathan and Dacre Montgomery. If you’re unfamiliar with those names, it’s understandable. Viswanathan had her first breakout role in 2018’s “Blockers” and, earlier this year, she was a memorable supporting performer in HBO’s “Bad Education.” Montgomery is probably a little more recognizable. The actor starred in “Stranger Things” as Billy Hargrove. Together, the two Aussie actors are quite the pair in this run-of-the-mill, but lovable film romp.
“The Broken Hearts Gallery” is executive produced by Selena Gomez under her July Moon Productions banner.
The film was shot in July 2019 with a cast that also includes Phillipa Soo and Bernadette Peters. It was originally set to release in July 2020, but was shifted due to the pandemic. Sony Pictures Studio hosted the film’s premiere in a special “Drive-In Experience” event.
Critics have enjoyed the film, noting the leads’ chemistry and Viswanathan’s charm.
“The Broken Hearts Gallery” opens this weekend in theaters across North Dakota.
Unpregnant
Haley Lu Richardson is a winning performer just waiting for her true breakout success. If you enjoyed her performances in films like “Columbus” and “For the Girls,” you’ll be in for a treat in “Unpregnant,” a female road trip black comedy by Rachel Lee Goldenberg. Goldenberg most recently directed this year’s “Valley Girl” reboot.
“Unpregnant” finds Richardson on a mission to get an abortion after she finds out she can’t get one in her home state of Missouri without her parents’ permission. She enlists her former friend, Bailey (Barbie Ferreira), to road trip with her to Albuquerque. Ferreira is one of the ensemble stars of HBO’s “Euphoria.”
HBO Max announced in June 2019 that it would distribute the film to its streaming service. Production began in October 2019.
Critics have given the film high marks, especially for Richardson’s seemingly effortless performance.
“Unpregnant” is now streaming on HBO Max.
Coastal Elites
It’s no surprise that studios began scrambling for pandemic-themed projects. The bigger surprise is that we’re still in the middle of the event and we’re already getting our second major pandemic-themed release. While Netflix’s “Homegrown” was a collection of artistic interpretations created under quarantine, HBO’s “Coastal Elites” is a scripted affair that attempts to speak to more than just at-home isolation.
Jay Roach, known best for the “Austin Powers” films and last year’s “Bombshell,” helms the film, based on a script by Paul Rudnick. The cast is notable list of heavy-hitters: Kaitlyn Dever, Dan Levy, Bette Midler, Sarah Paulson, and Issa Rae.
The film follows five people who live in either Los Angeles or New York as they navigate life in the pandemic.
“Coastal Elites” was first announced in June 2020, with filming taking place shortly after.
It has not screened for critics.
“Coastal Elites” is streaming this weekend on HBO and HBO Max.
