DOULA Plays on Uncomfortable Situations
The story of Deb’s new life opens with the death of her doula, a companion during pregnancy named Penka. Out of pity, Deb’s boyfriend hires Penka’s son as their new doula. The film follows Deb in her day-to-day life, which revolves around her pregnancy. She does her best to navigate through tasks such as visiting a doctor, attending future mother classes, and hiring a doula.
Doula focuses on the emotional toll a pregnancy can have on a first-time mother like Deb. With a lack of an emotional outlet, her relationships are affected as she struggles to bond with other moms, returning their inquisitive questions with blank stares and distant answers. We watch Deb weep in her car as it rains. She turns her face away from her doula, Sascha. She attempts to hide the frustration she feels at not being able to practice her passion, basketball, due to her pregnancy. Deb and her boyfriend argue repeatedly in private, unaware that their attempts to make everything appear normal are failing, since their doula is always in earshot of their accusatory tones. The characters’ persistence to continue on in uncomfortable situations like nothing is wrong when it is clear there is a problem adds humor to the movie, although the feeling of discomfort lingers.
Doula’s intentionally awkward humor combined with serious moments might not suit all people and it is not a family-friendly film. However, it has its audience in those who enjoy blue or dark humor.
