Movie Review: ‘Plan B’ – Love, Choices and Consequences.

What would you do if you found out you were pregnant after a drunken one-night stand with your neighbour? Do you tell him or take the most extreme route finding someone you deem more “worthy” and convincing them the baby is theirs?  

This intriguing dilemma sets the stage for Brandon Tamburri‘s romantic comedy ‘Plan B‘. This is a lighthearted yet compelling narrative about choices, lies, and the ripple effects they create told with the story of Piper Brennan (played by Jamie Lee), a free-spirited and ambitious young woman. After a wild night out, Piper finds herself in a less-than-ideal situation, and her response leads to a whirlwind of events that are as outrageous as they are thought-provoking.  

In the very first scene of the film, Piper is introduced to us drunk and getting kicked out of a nightclub. We get the immediate sense that she likes to live life a bit on the edge and have fun. When she gets home she meets her neighbour Evan (played by Jon Heder) who seems to have an interest in her. Evan is an awkward fellow who has a cat, drives an Uber and plays in a band.

Jon Heder and Jamie Lee in ‘Plan B’

The two have a moment and get intimate almost immediately which seems like the culmination of a long-held dream for Evan, but for Piper, it’s nothing more than a fleeting lapse in judgment.  

The following morning she kicks him out and makes it clear that she is not ready to start a relationship with him and it was just a night they can both choose to forget about and still be neighbours.

The narrative quickly reveals more about Piper. She does not only work at a coffee shop but she seems to have a fledgling social media presence where she posts photos of random couples she encounters and what she believes to be their story from her perspective. She is on the verge of securing a very lucrative book deal to write a book about love.

However, her life takes a sharp turn when she discovers she’s pregnant. With the help of her roommate Maya (played by Subhah Agarwal), a much more level-headed nurse, she confirms this they both conclude that the protection she used had failed and that their quirky neighbour Evan is the father.

Yet, convinced that his modest lifestyle doesn’t align with her vision of a stable family, Piper devises a bold plan. She must find a better ‘candidate‘ to pin the pregnancy on.

Piper embarks on a frantic search, enduring disastrous dates before finally settling on Cameron (played by Michael Lombardi), a handsome, successful businessman and a regular at the coffee shop where she works. Piper’s budding relationship with Cameron, built on a web of deception, sets the stage for escalating complications. As her lies snowball, Piper is forced to confront the truth about herself, her choices, and the people she has involved in her scheme.  

Jamie Lee and Michael Lombardi in ‘Plan B’

Jamie Lee shines as Piper, effortlessly carrying the weight of a flawed yet relatable protagonist. Her portrayal brings depth to the character making Piper’s choices understandable regardless of how questionable they are. You will find that even though you might not always agree with Piper ‘s actions, you remain invested in her journey.

Jon Heder also brings an endearing charm to Evan. Despite his quirks, Evan is shown to be a deeply caring individual, passionate about his music and unwavering in his affection for people he loves. The nuanced performance makes Evan humorous yet profoundly human, a character that grows on the audience as the story unfolds.  

Also, Michael Lombardi’s portrayal of Cameron strikes the right balance between suave and sincere. His charisma and good looks make him an obvious choice for Piper even from the audience’s perspective. But as the narrative progresses, Lombardi brings more layers to the character that add complexity to the love triangle.  

Director Brandon Tamburri shares the writing credits with Jean S. Monpère and it is clear that they have crafted a story that is as much about self-discovery as it is about romance. The script strikes a balance between humour and heart, allowing the characters to evolve in ways that feel authentic. The decision to keep the comedic elements understated ensures the story remains grounded, making the humour seem more situational rather than forced.  

By the time the film ends, you are reminded how important it is not to judge a book by its cover and how it also helps not to start a relationship based on lies. It uses Piper’s flaws to explore themes of ambition, authenticity, and the consequences of deception.

‘Plan B‘ is a story about second chances and the courage to face the truth. It challenges societal notions of “ideal” relationships and highlights the importance of looking beyond appearances. The film’s resolution serves as a gentle reminder that honesty, no matter how difficult, should be the foundation of any relationship.

If you’re looking for a romantic comedy with over-the-top antics, ‘Plan B‘ might not be your cup of tea. However, if you appreciate a heartfelt story with well-rounded characters and a touch of humour, this film will resonate with you. I will score it 7/10.  

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