Gayby (2012) User Reviews

Hilarious characters make the movie pleasurable

[patryk-czekaj · 7/10 · 17 November 2012]

In the clichéd world of comedies nothing seems unconventional these days. That the audiences can't compliant about the number of rom-coms coming out on the big screen is a fact. Still, it's excruciating to observe how most of them cut corners and follow a well known, often indescribably boring and tiring, path. Fortunately, for the sake of the genre, once in a while there is a comedy that really aspires to contradict trends. And Gayby is one of those films. It is as vivacious as it is entertaining. The film shows a strictly unromantic yet undeniably laughable story about two best friends – a gay guy named Matt and a straight woman named Jenn – planning on having a 'gayby' together (although, as Matt clearly explains, this is a proper word only when two gay people two strictly gay people want to be parents). Without any second thoughts they decide that the best, the most adequate way to get Jenn pregnant is through the traditional act of sex. Their daily routine consists of working – Matt sells comic books at a nearby store and Jenn teaches hot yoga – going on dates in the evenings, and making love (in this situation it sound kind of weird) during the nights. Unfortunately, after a couple of trials they realize that trying to conceive is harder than one might think. In the meantime, their sex- lives start to flourish, causing problems both for the couple's casual relationship and for their baby-making ordeal.

Gayby shows that low-budget, amateurish indie comedies can be really amusing sometimes. The dialogues are witty, kinky and perfectly humorous. While the story isn't really that innovative and rather predictable, the atmosphere is sentimental and heartfelt, just as the characters are genuinely likable. What's more, Gayby depicts – in an utterly exaggerated yet comical manner – a world, where gay guys swarm the streets and it's actually them who convince us of their enormous desire to raise those not-so-typical families.

Good but slight

[preppy-3 · 5/10 · 19 June 2012]

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.

Lost on Me

[evanston_dad · 6/10 · 11 January 2013]

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-

No Maybe...Gayby's a HIT!

[Deborahguarino · 20 March 2021]

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!!

A Cheap Commerical Softcore Movie

[Truthfulguy777 · 1/10 · 31 October 2013]

If you are bored and you wanna waste time,see this trivial movie which relies on cheap commercial nudity to attract viewers!.The story is too silly and there is no comedy in Gayby movie except in very few scenes. Do not be fooled that it is a comedy movie. The commercial bad movie has been Rated 18 in most countries around the world and did not do well in the Box Office. For all gays and straight people who love seeing nudity,softcore and erotic movies,I advise you to see any adult movie and not to waste your time in vain in seeing a delusive movie which is too boring to see!. I have nothing against that commercial adult unrated movie,nor I have anything against the producers of actors of Gayby,I'm just telling the truth .

Fresh and hilarious

[withoutahat · 8/10 · 23 June 2012]

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.

Sometimes funny, but a little bit too gay

[almqvist_1992 · 4/10 · 8 September 2013]

I liked the premise of a straight woman having a child with her gay man friend. And there were definitely some funny moments in the movie that made me laugh. Especially the awkward sex-scenes between the two protagonists. But there were too many gay characters/interactions for my taste (definitely more than 50 % of the characters). I don't consider myself a homophobe but I can't lie, I wasn't comfortable with it. And so I quit watching after 47 minutes.

What I'm saying is that this is not a generic comedy, it's a gay comedy - Had I been gay, I imagine I'd give it 7 stars. It's got a niche that works for some and doesn't for others. Then you might say that "straight" movies are a niche too, and maybe so. It's all about perspective. Not objective.

Making a baby the "old-fashioned" way

[Red-125 · 9/10 · 20 October 2012]

Gayby (2012) was written and directed by Jonathan Lisecki. The movie stars Jenn Harris as Jenn, a thirties-something straight woman, and Matthew Wilkas as Matt, a gay man who has been Jenn's best friend since college.

Jenn has been hoping to meet the right man, get married, and conceive a child. Unfortunately, the plan isn't working. Matt has broken up with his long-time partner, and isn't over the pain yet.

Jenn suggests a biologically and psychologically reasonable plan. Rather than waiting for Mr. Right, she'll conceive a child with Matt as the father. However, Jenn is into natural healing and natural methods, so she tells Matt she wants to conceive the child the "old-fashioned" way. Not an appealing option for Matt--he's definitely gay, not bisexual. Still, he agrees to the plan.

The plot of the movie is developed from this premise. The ensuing complications are very funny, sometimes in a bittersweet way. While Jenn and Matt are working on the conception plan, new lovers come and go, friendships are formed and broken, promises are made and kept or not kept.

Director Lisecki has taken the bold step of using an actor--Jenn Harris--who isn't an incredibly gorgeous woman. (Jennifer Aniston could play the role perfectly, but then the movie wouldn't work.) Jenn Harris looks like a person who could be your friend, or, for that matter, your yoga instructor. (She may teach yoga in real life, but, even if she doesn't she's obviously had experience with it.) Harris is an excellent actor, and so is Matthew Wilkas. The supporting cast--including Lisecki himself-- is highly competent. The dialog is witty, the characters are endearing, and the movie is very enjoyable.

This is a film worth seeking out and seeing. We saw it at the Dryden Theatre as part of the extraordinary ImageOut--the Rochester LGBT Film & Video Festival.

surprisingly funny

[Gordon-11 · 3 March 2013]

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.

One of the best comedies I've seen at Frameline

[Kryzak · 9/10 · 17 June 2012]

I never saw the short film version of this movie but heard a lot of friends talk about it. So of course, when I saw that it was a full length feature at Frameline 36 in SF, I had to go see it. I must say, this is one of the funniest and wittiest comedies I've seen not only at Frameline, but across all films. The acting was superb, the casting perfect, and the story was just plain fun. There were so many great moments in the movie that my friends and I are still talking about. The first bedroom scene between Jen and Matt, the bitch fight between Nelson and Jen's work best- friend (forgot his character name), the whole "NellyBear" background, and the list just goes on and on.

I can't wait for this to come out again in the theaters later this fall and I'll definitely get the DVD/Blu-Ray. Do yourself a favor and go check this movie out!

Well done mainstream gay-themed film

[Coralknight · 8/10 · 19 May 2020]

While the theme of "gay guy and straight woman decide to make a baby" has been done MANY times (The "Wedding Banquet" is probably the Gold Standard) even back in 2012, this rendition absolutely comes off as believable, with well-formed characters, great acting and a solid script. The cliché of being set in NYC is a bit of a turn-off (does anyone outside of NYC care about how neurotic and dysfunctional people are there anymore?) but the acting absolutely makes up for it. Someone here is complaining about gratuitous nudity, and I think they may be referring to a different film, since this one doesn't have any at all...which is why I'm giving it such a high rating; the script carried it without having to resort to that gimmick.

Enjoyable, and a notch above typical gay cinema

[jlgreenlee · 8/10 · 8 June 2013]

I feel a certain obligation to check out gay cinema from time to time. Both for my own pop culture knowledge, and just because I like to see if things have improved any since my last visit. Most independently produced gay-themed movies are amateurish and cheap looking. Sometimes that kinda works, and the material rises above its humble origins. Most of the time, the films are a struggle to get through.

I wanted to see this one mostly because Matthew Wilkas, the male lead, is very cute, and the girl looked atypically ordinary (in a good way). This was a case of being sold by the poster, and for a change, it was truth in advertising. I did note that the director/writer couldn't resist casting himself in a supporting role--something common to low budget film, gay or not--but it works pretty well. I recognized the kid from Chicago Fire in there (and he kisses a guy!), as well as Charlie from The West Wing (who doesn't).

This isn't a perfect film, but the quality of it is SO far above most similar fare. The acting is much better, the sound, photography and editing is too. If this helps, it looks nothing like an early John Waters film, if that makes sense. Also, though the setup of the film may be cliché, the way it's handled is novel. There's none of that "is he or isn't he" about the lead's sexuality. I also thought the chemistry between the actors was believable, another thing that often isn't there in gay cinema.

Anyway, I rated this one an 8. I realize that sounds high, but I'm considering it a "within the genre" grade, and in that case it might even be worth a 9. Real-world grade is probably just above a 5, but think about other films in this genre, which often hover between a 0 and a 3, and I think this film deserves a high grade. Plus, I want to help its average. There are some ridiculously low grades for this one.

Surprisingly smart and entertaining... and Tommy Heleringer

[jm10701 · 2 January 2013]

I've gotten so used to terrible gay movies (especially American gay movies made in the last 15 years or so) that it's almost shocking when a good one comes along. Gayby is a good one.

It's about lifelong best friends Matt (gay) and Jenn (straight), who had said in college that they'd have a baby together some day. Years later the day comes, and they get to work. Meanwhile, each of them has an active work and social life, a miserable love life, and an entertaining and diverse set of friends of various types and stereotypes.

Unlike some in the gay audience, I don't hate stereotypes, because there are some wonderful people who fit most of the stereotypes... except one - the hairless gym boy with blinding white teeth and a perfect tan on every square inch of his totally shaved body. There are NO wonderful people who fit that stereotype, which is one reason American gay movies in general have become so stupid that 99% of them are unwatchable. The only gym bodies in this movie have hair all over them, teeth the color of teeth instead of chalk, and tans (if they have tans at all) only where people naturally get tanned from being out in the sun - all of which is delightful.

This movie has a likable and able cast, a very smart and entertaining screenplay, one of the sexiest men on earth in a tiny role (Tommy Heleringer, who plays Adrian, one of Matt's abortive dates; he also plays Scruffy in a web series called The Outs, and he's so delicious I'd eat him up if he ever came to my door) and (thank God!) New York City. The worst movie ever made in New York is better than the best from LA, and Gayby is far from the worst. It may be the best; it's certainly one of the best. Very much worth seeing.

i seriously really liked it.

[rspxrfjx · 9/10 · 22 January 2022]

The jokes are great, and they hold up ten years later. Not straight people gay humor, but queer people gay humor, i laughed a lot. Also the fact that there was a comic book store setting was queer nerd representation! Tldr went in thinking it was a joke and watched for adam driver but actually really enjoyed it.

Fun!

[alfred-83 · 8/10 · 21 January 2022]

This movie was unexpectedly much more fun that I had anticipated. I watched it because of Gus K's hot boyfriend Matt Wilkas and expected a kind of amateur B-movie. In fact all actors were pretty good, some were even amazing, like Nelson, the uber-gay friend of Matt (he is also called Matt in the movie). The bitchy seen between Nelson and Jamie is an absolute highlight!

The dialogues were funny and fast, the storyline not spectacular but good enough. I can really recommend this movie for a night of laugh-out-loud fun. And hot men.

Just Saw the Sweetest Movie EVER!

[kcrisenphoenix · 8/10 · 2 June 2013]

Just Saw the Sweetest Movie EVER! I could go on and on, but OH! This movie is so cute! Too bad it didn't have a big budget! BLURB: Jenn (straight) and Matt (gay) are best friends from college who are now in their thirties. Single by choice, they decide to fulfill a youthful promise to have a child together... the old fashioned way.

REVIEW: Writer/Director and okay actor Jonathan Kisecki presented a wonderful wonderful story. I LOVED IT! The script was sweet and funny and heartfelt and I loved it! Most the acting was so good! The characters grow! They seem real. The comedy actually works. The actors are good enough to deliver the dry and sometimes hilarious comedy.

Growth! Growth! Growth! I loved it! Character-driven story--my FAV! The guys are super sexy and the women wonderful and real and far more than just the straight female best friend. I loved this movie. Enough that I want it on DVD.

The characters are real.

And it has messages! Have you ever carried this HUGE thing on your shoulders and you finally admit it to the person and they don't even remember? And then you realize you carried this for nothing? A great teacher said to me once that holding grudges and being angry and having hate in your heart is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die....

This movie is sweet and funny and I adored and wonder just how AWESOME it could have been with even a million dollar budget.

It was real See this movie! (and there are lots of sexy guys!) Matthew Wilkas is fun and sexy and a very decent actor. HOT chest. Nice and hairy. Mike Doyle is OMG-HOT even with the geeky glasses and has been in quite a few movies and TV shows. Jonathan Lisecki is write and director and I guess he did a short of this movie first (not sure I understand), but the humor is VERY up-to-date and topical! Louis Cancelmi is HOT and a decent actor. Jenn Harris is amazing and I loved her. She is real.

Some of the acting is okay and some of it is really, really good.

The script is incredible. Really really good.

And the okay actors were good enough to carry the dry humor...

And the humor is real! I LOVED THIS MOVIE!

Killer of a movie

[gregkae · 10/10 · 15 June 2013]

There's hope for gay cinema after all. This little character driven gem delivers in spades. Absolutely everyone is memorable and drops a pisser of a one-liner. It all plays against the background of the inexcusably dull protagonist. He's an instant bore but very real - I've met that kind more than a million times and I dosed off on each occasion. He's somewhere between the guy next door and muscle mary... zzzzzz. He's so pale, even the characters, who have 5 lines to say and appear for about 1 minute of screen time, steal the show.

The cast is more than competent, nothing feels forced. Maybe a few outdoor scenes where we could see some NYC would have been nice.

The writing is as tight as a spandex girdle even though there's not much of a plot and the movie doesn't take itself too seriously. Praise be.

Definitely worth watching

[claudegruener · 8/10 · 5 February 2022]

We very much enjoyed the movie, the actors, and the script. It was very entertaining, but was it really a comedy? A bit too serious for that. We definitely didn't laugh our heads off and there were many poignant and memorable moments. The only minor failing was that some of the characters were a bit too stereotypically gay, whatever that means. Sometimes I wonder if some of the very critical reviewers saw the same movie we did! We will be looking for more movies starring these actors.