What Is Unpregnant About?
The premise of Unpregnant in 370 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quiet slice of the Midwest, the world feels both ordinary and edged with the unknown, where high school hallways echo with future plans and state laws loom like invisible barriers. The film captures the restless energy of a generation poised between the safety of small‑town expectations and the pull of a wider, more uncertain horizon. Sun‑baked highways stretch ahead, promising anonymity and possibility, while the ticking clock of a looming decision adds a palpable undercurrent of urgency.
Veronica Clarke is a driven seventeen‑year‑old whose college ambitions clash with an unexpected pregnancy that threatens to rewrite her trajectory. She balances the pressure of parental expectations, academic deadlines, and a budding sense of independence, all while wrestling with the stark reality that her state demands adult consent for the medical care she seeks. Across the distance of years and hurt feelings, Bailey Butler remains the lingering echo of a once‑intimate friendship, carrying her own secrets and a complicated past that left the two girls drifting apart. Their dynamic is charged with a mix of lingering resentment, undeniable loyalty, and the unspoken hope that the road ahead might mend what time has frayed.
When Veronica decides that the only way to secure the autonomy she craves is to cross state lines, she turns to Bailey for a ride, setting the stage for a cross‑country odyssey that is as much about reaching a destination as it is about navigating the terrain of their shared history. The journey becomes a moving canvas where conversations, silences, and fleeting moments of connection reveal layers of character that neither expected to confront. The open road offers both escape and exposure, forcing the two young women to face the weight of their choices and the depth of their bond.
The tone balances sharp, witty dialogue with earnest, introspective moments, creating a dramedy that feels both fresh and timeless. Cinematically, the film leans into the aesthetic of indie road movies—wide‑angle vistas, roadside diners, and the hum of an old car’s engine—as metaphors for self‑discovery. It invites the audience to wonder how far friendship can stretch when the stakes are high, and whether the pursuit of personal freedom can coexist with the fragile ties that shape who we become.
What Happens in Unpregnant?
The complete story of Unpregnant, from the first scene to the last, in 677 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Seventeen-year-old Veronica Clarke takes a pregnancy test at school, but her moment of anxiety is interrupted by her former best friend, Bailey Butler, who accidentally discovers that the test shows a positive result. Initially unsure about whom the pregnancy belongs to, Bailey offers to drive Veronica to a clinic should she decide to terminate the pregnancy. However, when Bailey assumes that Veronica will keep the baby, she gets rid of the test.
Determined to have an abortion, Veronica soon realizes that Missouri law requires parental consent, prompting her to devise a plan to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she can obtain the procedure without parental involvement. Faced with financial hurdles, Veronica meets with her boyfriend, Kevin, only to be taken aback when he proposes to her upon hearing the pregnancy news. He also admits that the condom had broken, adding to her turmoil. Cunningly, Veronica pretends to contemplate the proposal while pocketing the engagement ring, and then convinces Bailey to accompany her on the journey to Albuquerque.
Their first stop leads to an attempt to pawn the engagement ring, but Kevin appears, having been following Veronica. Upon learning about her need for funds to terminate the pregnancy, a compassionate pawnshop broker agrees to purchase the ring. The duo then sets their sights on Texas, where tensions rise as they clash over their past friendship; Bailey is unaware of how her father’s embarrassment over her nerdy childhood pursuits has contributed to their rift.
At a diner, the atmosphere becomes charged when local sheriffs arrive, causing Bailey to panic about the Firebird they are driving, which belongs to her mother’s boyfriend. They manage to evade trouble thanks to a fellow diner named Jarrod, who creates a distraction. Jarrod offers them a ride and introduces them to a racecar driver named Kira, with whom Bailey feels an immediate connection. Bailey later confesses her sexuality and shares her first kiss with Kira.
Just as Kira is about to drop them at the bus station, a young couple overhears their plans regarding the abortion and unexpectedly offers them a ride to Albuquerque. When Bailey and Veronica wake up at the couple’s house the following morning, they find themselves at the mercy of pro-life activists trying to prevent Veronica from proceeding with the abortion. In a daring escape, they seize the couple’s GMC Yukon and fake their own deaths to break free.
Arriving at a nearby bus station, they discover it is out of service but soon encounter Bob, an anti-government survivalist running a mechanic shop. Upon learning of Veronica’s situation, he agrees to take her to the clinic in an old Lincoln limousine. During their ride, Veronica’s friends call and, fearing for her reputation, suggest that she blame Bailey for the test. Desperate to protect herself, Veronica reluctantly concurs. Bailey overhears the conversation, igniting a fierce argument about their severed friendship. In frustration, Bailey leaves, prompting Veronica to continue alone to her appointment. However, realizing that Bailey has sought out her estranged father, she decides to postpone her appointment and follows Bailey instead.
At a flower shop where Bailey’s father works, Veronica bears witness to their strained reunion. Defending Bailey when her father reacts coldly, Veronica exemplifies the solidarity of friendship. The climax builds at the clinic when Kevin confronts them, threatening to expose the truth unless Veronica stays with him. Unperturbed, Veronica tells him to do as he pleases, signaling her independence.
After the procedure, Veronica and Bailey find themselves broke and reach out to their mothers, who come through with plane tickets home. Upon returning, Veronica’s mother expresses her confusion about Veronica’s choices but reiterates her love and support for her daughter.
The next day at school, Veronica learns that Kevin has kept the abortion a secret from their friends, but she opts to share the truth herself. Reinvigorating their bond, she decides to rebuild her friendship with Bailey, joining her for lunch. The film concludes with the pair embarking on yet another road trip, this time to Roswell, New Mexico, signaling newfound freedom and the promise of adventure.
Unpregnant Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Pregnancy Test” to “Homecoming and New Beginnings”. 12 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Pregnancy Test
Seventeen-year-old Veronica Clarke takes a pregnancy test at school, which reveals a positive result. Her moment is interrupted by her former best friend, Bailey, who accidentally discovers the news, creating immediate tension between the two.
When:Afternoon Where:School
- 2
Discussion of Choices
Bailey offers to drive Veronica to a clinic to terminate the pregnancy, assuming Veronica's choice will be to keep the baby. Unbeknownst to Bailey, Veronica is determined to have an abortion, leading to a misunderstanding about their next steps.
- 3
Parental Consent Laws
Veronica learns that Missouri law requires parental consent for an abortion, pushing her to devise a plan to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she can obtain the procedure without any parental involvement. This realization adds urgency to her situation.
Where:Missouri
- 4
Boyfriend's Proposal
When Veronica discusses the pregnancy with her boyfriend Kevin, he unexpectedly proposes to her, revealing that the condom had broken. This moment adds to Veronica's emotional turmoil as she grapples with her unplanned pregnancy and her future.
- 5
Pawning the Ring
Veronica cleverly pretends to consider Kevin's proposal while pocketing the engagement ring. She convinces Bailey to accompany her to Albuquerque after their first stop includes an attempt to pawn the engagement ring.
Where:Pawn Shop
- 6
Encounter with Kevin
While at the pawn shop, Kevin surprises them by showing up, having been following Veronica. Upon hearing about her need for money for the abortion, a compassionate broker agrees to buy the ring, providing a temporary solution for Veronica's financial needs.
Where:Pawn Shop
- 7
Conflict in Texas
As they travel through Texas, Bailey and Veronica's past friendship tensions surface, particularly regarding Bailey's father's disapproval of her childhood interests. This confrontation complicates their journey and highlights their emotional struggles.
Where:Texas
- 8
Diner Disturbance
While stopping at a diner, the arrival of local sheriffs sends Bailey into a panic due to the car being linked to her mother's boyfriend. They manage to escape thanks to Jarrod, who causes a distraction and offers them a ride.
Where:Diner
- 9
Bailey's First Kiss
During their time together, Bailey meets Kira, a racecar driver, and feels an instant connection with her. Bailey later confesses her sexual identity and shares her first kiss with Kira, marking an important moment in her journey of self-discovery.
- 10
Confrontation with Pro-Life Activists
After receiving a ride from a young couple, Veronica and Bailey find themselves trapped by pro-life activists who try to prevent them from reaching the clinic. They devise a daring escape plan, managing to steal the couple's car and fake their deaths.
Where:Couple's House
Show the other 5 events of Unpregnant Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Meeting Bob
At a mechanic shop, they encounter Bob, an anti-government survivalist, who agrees to drive Veronica to the clinic in his old limousine. His support offers them hope, though their journey remains fraught with complications.
Where:Mechanic Shop
- 12
Friendship Strains
During the ride, Veronica's friends suggest that she blame Bailey for her predicament, leading to a painful argument between the two. Bailey feels betrayed as Veronica chooses self-preservation over their friendship.
Where:In Transit
- 13
Bailey's Family Reunion
Veronica decides to find Bailey after learning she has visited her estranged father. At the flower shop, she witnesses a strained reunion, reinforcing her commitment to supporting Bailey amidst familial challenges.
Where:Flower Shop
- 14
Final Confrontation
At the clinic, Kevin confronts Veronica, threatening to expose her abortion if she doesn't agree to stay with him. Veronica stands firm in her independence, telling him that she will not be controlled by his demands.
Where:Abortion Clinic
- 15
Homecoming and New Beginnings
After the procedure, Veronica and Bailey return home, where their mothers support them with plane tickets. Veronica chooses to be honest about her experience and rebuilds her friendship with Bailey, leading to a new road trip to Roswell, New Mexico.
Where:Home
Who Are the Main Characters in Unpregnant?
4 characters, among them Veronica Clarke (Haley Lu Richardson), Bailey Butler (Barbie Ferreira) and Kevin (Alex MacNicoll): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Veronica Clarke (Haley Lu Richardson)
Played by Haley Lu Richardson
Veronica is a 17-year-old faced with an unexpected pregnancy, navigating the complexities of relationships, personal choices, and societal expectations. Her character evolves from uncertainty to empowerment, ultimately showcasing her strength and independence in challenging situations.
- 👩⚕️ Determination
- 💔 Growth
- 😔 Vulnerability
-
Bailey Butler (Barbie Ferreira)
Played by Barbie Ferreira
Bailey is Veronica's supportive yet complex best friend, grappling with her own insecurities and familial issues. Throughout their journey, Bailey opens up about her identity and sexuality, showcasing her personal growth and the deepening of her friendship with Veronica.
- 🌈 Inclusivity
- 🤝 Loyalty
- 🎈 Self-Discovery
-
Kevin (Alex MacNicoll)
Played by Alex MacNicoll
Kevin is Veronica's boyfriend, representing the pressures of traditional relationships and societal expectations. His character reflects the conflicting emotions surrounding love, responsibility, and the challenge of understanding a partner's autonomy.
- 💍 Pressure
- 🚫 Miscommunication
- 😟 Confusion
- J(
Jarrod (Denny Love)
Played by Denny Love
Jarrod is a kind-hearted bystander who aids Veronica and Bailey during their road trip. His character brings a sense of camaraderie and connection, emphasizing the theme of unexpected friendships in times of crisis.
- 🤝 Kindness
- 🚗 Adventure
- 🌟 Support
Where and When Is Unpregnant Set?
Unpregnant is set in Missouri, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Texas and Roswell. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The narrative is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues faced by young individuals, particularly surrounding reproductive rights and personal relationships. The characters encounter modern technology, communication methods, and cultural dynamics relevant to today's youth.
Where
Missouri, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Texas, Roswell
The movie spans several significant locations including Missouri, where Veronica discovers her pregnancy, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for its vibrant culture and as a destination for those seeking reproductive health services. They also travel through Texas, a vast state with diverse landscapes and communities, and end their journey in Roswell, New Mexico, famously associated with UFO lore and a sense of adventure.
- 🗺️ Locations
- 🚗 Road Trip
- 🌆 City Life
What Are the Themes of Unpregnant?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Reproductive Rights and Adventure.
-
01
Friendship
The theme of friendship is central to Veronica and Bailey's journey, showcasing the importance of solidarity and support during challenging times. Their bond is tested through hardships, misunderstandings, and personal growth, ultimately evolving into a more profound connection by the end of the film.
-
02
Reproductive Rights
The film addresses critical issues surrounding reproductive rights and the complexities young women face in making choices about their bodies. Veronica’s determination to seek an abortion highlights the challenges imposed by legal and social barriers, making a poignant statement about autonomy and empowerment.
-
03
Adventure
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.
What Kind of Film Is Unpregnant?
Hopeful in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, emotionally charged road trip drama that balances the serious subject of an unwanted pregnancy with moments of levity and a hopeful, liberating journey of friendship rediscovery.
- road trip adventure
- lighthearted drama
- emotionally charged
- friendship-driven
- liberating
- youthful defiance
- teenage pregnancy
- unplanned abortion
- friendship rediscovery
- road trip
Content notes: unwanted pregnancy, abortion.
Quiz
How well do you remember Unpregnant? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Unpregnant
Stream it on HBO Max, or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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