Watch Maybe Shower

Maybe Shower, a heartfelt comedy-drama directed by Chris Doubek, follows the lives of three childhood friends, Maria (Kelsey Thomas), Sarah (Megan Simon), and Charlee (Rachel DeRouen), as they reunite to celebrate their friend Isabella's (Noni Garcia) baby shower. With Isabella already married and pregnant, the event stirs up feelings of pressure and insecurity on the part of the three single friends, who are in their early thirties.

Maria, an aspiring comedian, is struggling with unfulfilling gigs and the lack of acceptance from her conservative family. Meanwhile, Sarah is torn between her love for her long-term boyfriend Phillip (Trey Wharton) and her desire for more from their relationship. Charlee, the wild card of the group, is avoiding facing her issues with work and relationships by partying and sleeping around.

The story revolves around the group's conversations and interactions as they navigate the baby shower and their emotions. The film uses flashbacks to take the audience back to their childhoods, providing context and insight into their friendships, stories of boyfriends, and life events that shaped their personalities. The reliance on flashbacks helps the viewers draw analogies between the past and the present, making the characters' struggles more relatable.

The script by Doubek and Kelsey Thomas is witty, engaging, and realistic. The dialogues are natural, and the filmmakers make a conscious effort to steer clear of cliches and melodrama. Rather than providing easy solutions to the characters' issues, the movie lets them process their emotions and arrive at their resolutions, keeping the experience authentic.

The movie stands out in its portrayal of female friendships. It is refreshing to see a movie where women support their friends genuinely and call them out on their shortcomings. There is no toxic competition, envy, or superficiality in their bonds, making their relationships feel real and dynamic. They also address life issues like relationship problems, career struggles, and family conflicts.

The movie balances the light-hearted tones with poignant moments seamlessly. The humor does not undermine the weight of the themes, serving as a release valve for the intense feelings that the characters experience. The abortion conversation in the movie is handled deftly, neither playing it for laughs nor overly dramatizing. It is rare to see a subject that is often polarizing treated with care and respect.

The acting performances by the lead cast are compelling. Kelsey Thomas shines as Maria, bringing both the humor and vulnerability to the role. Her stand-up comedy scenes are hilarious and showcase her range as an actor. Megan Simon's portrayal of Sarah is heartfelt, and her chemistry with Trey Wharton, who plays her boyfriend, is believable. Rachel DeRouen gives a knockout performance as Charlee, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actor.

The movie's production design is stunning. The sets and locations capture the essence of the story's locations, and the lighting creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. The cinematography is outstanding, with gorgeous framing and camera work that adds depth to the story.

The movie's direction by Chris Doubek is masterful. The pacing is perfect, and the movie flows smoothly, providing the audience with ample time to invest in the characters fully. The direction is tastefully understated, allowing the performances and the story to stay front and center.

Maybe Shower is an honest and heartwarming movie that provides a nuanced approach to the themes of friendship, love, and growing up. Strong writing, compelling performances, and excellent directing make this movie a must-watch for anyone looking to be entertained and moved.

Maybe Shower is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.