SCRAMBLED is in theaters February 2nd 2024 from Lionsgate. Written by, directed by, and starring Leah McKendrick. It is a story of ticking clocks and a search for the perfect.. man. If this film is anything it is surprising. Full of unexpected emotion, tons of humor, and an intimate look at one woman’s brave adventure into the world of future baby making.
Synopsis: Quintessential eternal bridesmaid Nellie Robinson (Leah McKendrick) constantly finds herself between weddings, baby showers, and bad dates. When she begins to feel like the clock is ticking and is faced with bleak romantic prospects, Nellie decides to freeze her eggs — setting her on an empowering journey to a brave new world where she ultimately discovers “the one” she’s looking for might be herself.
When we first meet Nellie (McKendrick) in the film she is the life of the party. In a community of married friends she is the mingling single girl. She is full speed ahead with many a man left in her wake. The Nellie we see at at the end is still the same person for the most part. She is certainly wiser and hopefully a bit more grounded – and happy. You never want the Nellies of the world to lose their light. Just focus it on more fulfilling things.
The heart of this film is the journey Nellie takes from the one we meet to the one we later see. Leah does a wonderful job of writing a complex character that we instantly like. She is then able to bring that character to life with organic and endearing honesty and emotion.
There are powerful scenes that come out of nowhere and sucker punch you right in the soul. Moments that are raw and stripped bare for us to feel and engage. Leah knows when we need to laugh and when we need to mourn. Her script weaves both of these moments perfectly so that neither becomes overdone.
Along with her journey of egg freezing this movie is also about the struggles of dating in your 30’s. Or for that matter dating at all. If the men depicted here are the best we have to offer the dating pool it is surprising that more women aren’t single, gay, or simply never leaving the house. Of course it is presented here with a lot of humor, groans, and eye rolls. But I am sure there is a lot of fact in this fiction.
Nellie is “supported” by her parents and successful older brother. Her father (Clancy Brown) is pressuring for grandchildren and refuses to even hear Nellie’s side. The movie shows that family is always messy and not always what we need. But in the end family hopefully comes along side just when needed. Brown is great in this as the father who only hears what he wants to and can only say the wrong thing in the wrong moment.
McKendrick carries this film from beginning to end, pouring herself into every scene. She never shies away from the content or dialogue. It is that willingness to be open and vulnerable that draws us into the story and to Nellie.
SCRAMBLED is rated R for sexual content, nudity, language throughout and some drug use. At 100-minutes it is a solid film with lots of layers. I am not sure if GNO’s are still a thing, but if they are, this is a perfect option for an outing with your girl squad for plenty of laughs and not just a few good tears.
About The Author
