saxon1014 Review of Conception

Conception (2011)

Very well done film with realistically done true to life issues!

[9/10 · 9 May 2011]

I saw this film tonight (April 2011 Newport Beach Film Fest), and was able to take part in the Q & A with some of the cast and the writer/director. As I told Josh, "I'm basically a prude...". I told him quite truthfully that my friend and I came because we are fans of Alan Tudyk and both of us were not sure if we'd be comfortable with the movie. But, even though Alan did not attend, and yes, it is an adult movie, with realistic/graphic sexual content, the story telling/writing/editing, all aspects of production were so very honest and real that I was able to just look down at my little program booklet during some scenes, and not be too embarrassed or shocked. The nicest thing about the evening was the cast and director answering questions, and being so open about the extremely small budget they worked with the incredibly short shooting schedule they had...it's totally amazing that they made this high quality film under those conditions, a real testament to the talent of all involved. Later, as we were leaving the party, Josh's wife (I am so sorry that I cannot remember her name, I left my program in my friend's car), stopped me and thanked me for my question and kind comments. That really made my night! I told her I could actually say much more, but I'd keep her too long. The one thing I wish I'd said to them both, was I absolutely LOVED the Pro-Life aspect of this movie. Even with the couples that were not planning to conceive, and especially for those who did not WANT to, we see the product of each conception in the most charming of scenes! The joke was made about 'never make a movie with kids or animals'...and the lesson is, they absolutely can steal the show. I told this very talented duo that I told my friend, "I really need grandkids!", after seeing the adorable tykes in very natural settings. As for rating, this movie will have to be "R" rated, it is very 'realistic' in some of the 'sex' scenes, the language is peppered with very graphic and blunt content and words. There is some nudity, and of course, just by the very nature of the subject, it is 'adult themed'. But even with my 'prude' meter running at full throttle, I was charmed, touched, amused and had quite a few laugh out loud moments. We see such a wide range of personalities, partners, individuals...each play so true to life that I noted to my friend, 'they actually played it more 'real' that I thought Hollywood could be'. There were some very serious issues touched on without being overly mellow-dramatic, it didn't try to 'preach' to the audience with big neon signs saying, 'see how bad this is'...just the dialog and in one scene with Alan Tudyk, the hilarious look on his face told volumes. Unlike me, this movie was not long winded in it's story telling, it seemed to be so perfectly delivered, so tightly written that we get a full 'novel' of a film in the most perfect way. Props to everyone. I was blown away!!