A Bump Along the Way (Shelly Love, 2019) : UK

Reviewed by Maria Loza. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Film Festival 2020.

The film “ A Bump Along the Way” had a touching feeling of the importance of family and the connection between a mother and daughter. The film is about 44-year old mother Pamela, and her daughter Allegra, who both have stories of growth. Pamela navigates through her journey of pregnancy and becoming a better mother to her daughter Allegra and her new baby. While Allegra navigates through her struggle of friends, romance, and having a better relationship with her mother. I think the overall theme behind this film was the importance of family and how important it is to have a good relationship with the family. Both of these characters show the importance of a good relationship with their parents, specifically the mother-daughter relationship. 

This film obviously focuses on the matter of family and how without guidance, a child affects their parent’s life and vise Versa. Such as they display in the movie, which is an example of the effect parents have on their children and Allegra shows that in her midst of resenting her mother and wanting to fit in. However, even though it may seem like neither Pamela or Allegra are fans of the idea of a baby, in the end, it brought out the better in them.

Pamela is introduced as a drunken mother and Allegra resents her behavior. It’s always a constant that Allegra doesn’t approve of her mother’s behavior, putting a strain on their relationship. Especially since Allegra needs guidance and support through her bullies. Allegra is absolutely mortified that her mother is pregnant by a man younger than her, saying that not only is Pamela not a good mother but she can’t afford to have a baby.

Throughout the film, it has a very gloomy feeling because these two characters struggle with personal setbacks and the setbacks they share. Their struggles are a constant in the film, with minimal financial help, the father’s of Allegra and the baby not being involved. Allegra and Pamela constantly have arguments. I think that this film is very realistic and some people might have similar experiences. Some may have experienced the struggle of an absent father or maybe they’ve experienced bullying as well. 

Despite this film’s depressing themes, the film was very charming and heartwarming. Seeing these two characters grow as people was gladdening. Especially towards the end, their turning points are so pleasing. The film also has its share of comedic relief scenes between its intense scenes, which added to the mood of the audience. I think that this film is very enjoyable and can be enjoyed by many. 

I liked the cinematography of this film, with constant scenic shots. Some scenic shots were transition scenes but sometimes it had the main characters within the shot. I thought that these shots were beautiful. It was almost as if the director was trying to envoke a feeling of calmness I also noticed that the story centered around the same locations, the story mainly took place in the bakery, Allegra’s school, and the kitchen.