Look Both Ways

➤ Rated TV-14
➤ Netflix

A young woman’s unplanned pregnancy collides with her career ambitions in the new film Look Both Ways. While the subject matter surely resonates with many viewers, the film’s warmth and authenticity likely explain its recent run as Netflix’s No. 1 movie. It’s nice to see the film recognize a preborn baby’s humanity, but Look Both Ways, rated TV-14, also includes profanities, a sexual scene, revealing clothing throughout, and implicit acceptance of un-Biblical relationships.

Natalie (a fantastic Lili Reinhart) takes a pregnancy test after sleeping with her best friend, Gabe (Danny Ramirez), shortly before their college graduation. At that point, the film introduces two possible futures and follows both outcomes: A negative result allows Natalie to take an animation job in California; a plus sign on the stick sends Natalie home to live with her parents, where her dad’s (Luke Wilson) tender bewilderment makes for good laughs.

The film focuses primarily on Natalie’s toggling storylines as, in both, she juggles relationships and career.

Except for Gabe’s misguided declaration of support to Natalie, “I’m pro-your-choice,” abortion never comes up. Instead, the young parents beam when they (and viewers) see a live ultrasound image. And a hand-drawn illustration shows an arrow with the word “Baby” pointing to Natalie’s swollen belly. More ­honesty: Look Both Ways shows that raising children is both joyful and tiring, and that working moms experience successes and setbacks. The film can’t avoid showing that parenting outside a marriage commitment brings avoidable complications and sorrows.