There's no easy or right way to broach the topic of abortion on film. No matter one's stance, heated debates and conversations are likely to arise. The remarkable thing about director Eliza Hittman's "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" is her ability to craft a full-bodied and deeply nuanced portrayal of abortion. It's never an easy decision to make and her movie never takes the subject at hand lightly or treats it as a frivolous character choice.
Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) is a 17-year-old high school student, who goes to a women's clinic after not feeling good for a few days. She takes a self-administered pregnancy test and finds out she is pregnant. The idea of being pregnant is expectedly daunting for Autumn but she knows she is not prepared to become a mother. The clinic gives her a variety of options, often sidestepping the idea of terminating the pregnancy. She begins doing her own research on abortion and learns about the many restrictions in her state of Pennsylvania.
Along with her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder), Autumn travels to New York City to seek the best treatment to accommodate her decision. Autumn doesn't exactly know what she is getting herself into because she is bounced between a few clinics and hurdles must be cleared before the procedure can take place.
By nature of its topic, "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" is bound to strike a bit of controversy but Hittman has not made a controversial film. Her movie is humane and non-judgmental in its treatment of Autumn, illustrating her right to choose, while offering moments of ethical and logistical reckoning. The screenplay never condescends to Autumn or Skylar, especially Autumn, who has made the hardest decision she is likely to make in her life. She's a teenager, who might have been a bit naïve in assuming the procedure wouldn't be a process, but Hittman never casts doubt upon her readiness to go through with it.
One of the most exciting aspects of watching movies is seeing new talent displayed on the screen. In her debut, Flanigan gives a raw, internalized and naturalistic performance. She finds a tricky balance of feeling both in over her head and completely steadfast. Flanigan's performance is quiet but there is no better demonstration of a gifted actor than being able to convey so much while saying so little. In a scene at the Manhattan clinic, the title of film becomes clear and Hittman holds the camera still on Flanigan's face. She is answering the counselor's questions in one-word answers but the veracity of the situation starts to creep in. We learn a bit about Autumn's life without anything being spelled out.
"Never Rarely Sometimes Always" is one of those rare film that could make someone feel less alone. Women are faced with difficult decisions regarding pregnancy all the time, but outside voices often try and seep in. Hittman's movie shows that is the case but at the end of the day, one person only has to undergo the procedure. "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" is told through a gentle and caring eye and is a movie most people should see.
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