#TIFF14: “PREGGOLAND”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Preggoland written by and starring Sonja Bennett is something quiet unexpected. It is an original Comedy from TIFF Favourite Jacob Tierney, which feels like the Cast of Mean Girls grew up 15 years and had children all except for Regina George. Well in the case of Preggoland that is what it feels like for Ruth (Sonja Bennett) who is trying to remain friends with her friends despite not being a Mom.

The Movie focuses on Ruth throughout and follows her antics; even as crazy they are such as giving her friend a dildo at a Baby Shower as a present. Feeling horrible about her ill-conceived gift, she decides to take it upon herself to buy a stroller instead. While in the store, she gets experiences a bit of a hangover and gets sick in the store. The Manager of the store however, believes Ruth is experiencing Morning Sickness and the idea of being pregnant. Ruth then gets the idea of being able to bend the rules a bit and takes advantage of her “pregnancy”, reaping its full rewards and using it as an opportunity to connect again with her friends and so things begin to spiral with the help of her Co-Worker, Janitor Pedro (Danny Trejo). Preggoland is a new hysterical Comedy, that will truly make Sonja Bennett a Star.

Although its concept may seem ridiculous on paper, but thanks to a brilliant Script and Performances, we are sold. Bennett does just that as her performance and delivery (no pun intended) is absolute perfection, truly making the Audience feel for her.

PREGGOLAND screens Friday, September 5, 2014 9:15 PM at Isabel Bader Theatre and again Monday, September 8, 2014 3:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre.