Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so drama about pregnant women with very different lives.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Unexpected
What's the Story?
Samantha (Cobie Smulders) is a science teacher at an inner city Chicago high school who's trying to land her dream job overseeing a museum's education program. Jasmine (Gail Bean) is her best student, a graduating senior who's hoping to move on to college. Both ae shocked to discover they're facing UNEXPECTED pregnancies, and both must learn how being a mother will affect their lives and their plans.
Is It Any Good?
Strong, authentic performances and great chemistry between the two leads lend the otherwise tame Unexpected some spirit. Smulders and Bean rescue the movie from a straightforward script that doesn't stray from a road well-worn by other films. But rescuing a movie is one thing; elevating it is another task altogether -- and one that's too formidable for Unexpected. The juxtaposition of teacher and student, each having to learn a similar lesson but given different tools and circumstances, is rich fodder, but unfortunately, Unexpected never really lives up to its name.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between Samantha and Jasmine's lives. How are they different, and how are they brought together by their pregnancies? What do they learn from each other?
Do you think Unexpected presents an honest look at the challenges faced by new mothers? Do you think those challenges have changed significantly in recent years?
Are the main characters role models? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 24, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : September 29, 2015
- Cast : Cobie Smulders , Elizabeth McGovern , Anders Holm , Gail Bean
- Director : Kris Swanberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : The Film Arcade
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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