Unpregnant (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds across a cross-country journey starting in Missouri, where Veronica discovers her pregnancy, and ends in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They also travel through Texas and make a notable stop in Roswell, New Mexico, famous for its UFO lore.

Foreshadowing: The opening scenes establish Missouri as Veronica's hometown before the road trip begins.

• road trip
• Missouri
• Albuquerque
• Texas
• Roswell
• settings

Unpregnant is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues and featuring current technology, communication methods, and cultural dynamics relevant to today's youth.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• present day

The film centers on three major themes: friendship, which evolves through hardship and misunderstanding; reproductive rights, focusing on young women's autonomy and the legal barriers they face; and adventure, portraying the road trip as a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Foreshadowing: The opening moments establish both the friendship dynamics and the stakes driving their journey.

• themes
• friendship
• reproductive rights
• adventure
• self-discovery

Veronica Clarke is a 17-year-old who discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant and decides to travel across the country to New Mexico for reproductive health services. Her character evolves from uncertainty to empowerment, showcasing her strength and independence.

Foreshadowing: Veronica's initial uncertainty sets up her character arc throughout the journey.

• Veronica Clarke
• main character
• protagonist
• teenage pregnancy

Bailey Butler is Veronica's former best friend who accompanies her on the road trip. Throughout the journey, Bailey grapples with her own insecurities and familial issues, ultimately opening up about her identity and sexuality while deepening her friendship with Veronica.

Foreshadowing: Early tension between the two hints at unresolved issues that surface during the trip.

• Bailey Butler
• best friend
• supporting character
• character growth

Albuquerque serves as the destination because it offers reproductive health services that may be less accessible in Veronica's home state. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, making it a meaningful endpoint for their journey of empowerment and self-discovery.

• Albuquerque
• New Mexico
• abortion access
• reproductive health
• destination

Friendship is central to the narrative, depicting solidarity and support during challenging times. Veronica and Bailey's bond is tested through misunderstandings and hardships, ultimately evolving into a more profound connection by the film's end.

Foreshadowing: The premise of former best friends reuniting for an urgent journey hints at the restoration of their relationship.

• friendship
• best friends
• reunion
• bond
• relationship

The film addresses reproductive rights by showing Veronica's determination to seek an abortion despite legal and social barriers. It highlights the challenges young women face in making choices about their bodies, making a statement about autonomy and empowerment.

• reproductive rights
• abortion
• autonomy
• women's rights
• choice

Roswell, New Mexico, known for its UFO lore and sense of adventure, serves as one of the stops on their road trip. It represents the unpredictable and adventurous nature of their journey while providing a moment of levity and exploration.

• Roswell
• UFO
• adventure
• New Mexico
• road trip stop

Kevin is Veronica's boyfriend, representing the pressures of traditional relationships and societal expectations. His character reflects the conflicting emotions surrounding love, responsibility, and understanding a partner's autonomy during a difficult time.

Foreshadowing: Kevin's presence early in the film establishes the relationship tensions that drive part of the narrative.

• Kevin
• boyfriend
• relationship
• pressure
• supporting character

The road trip signifies freedom and the pursuit of self-discovery. As Veronica and Bailey navigate various obstacles, the adventure becomes a metaphor for their growth, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and the unpredictable nature of life's journey.

Foreshadowing: The urgent need to travel across the country immediately establishes the trip as transformative.

• road trip
• journey
• freedom
• self-discovery
• growth
• metaphor

Unpregnant is a drama with comedic elements, blending serious subject matter with a hopeful tone. The film balances emotional weight with lighter moments, resulting in a story that acknowledges difficult situations while maintaining an uplifting perspective.

• genre
• drama
• comedy
• tone
• style