With subtlety covering the entire surface, this stirring drama never tries hard to explain its conflicts.
Cast - Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder, Théodore Pellerin
Directed By - Eliza Hittman
Genre - Drama
Never Rarely Sometimes Always is an uncommon name for a film. But then, the particular way in which it handles the subject at hand is also not an everyday sight. The movie opens with a school program where we see the various students performing on the stage. When I looked at those colorful curtains in the background, I was reminded of Joker (2019) in which the similar curtains could be spotted in the Murray show. It is here we see Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) singing with a guitar when suddenly someone shouts "SLUT" from the audience. Now she doesn't stop and walks away from the stage; instead, she continues to sing with tears on her face and finishes the song. This is an important moment because it tells us that (a) she is a strong and willing character, and (b) once started, she will stop only after finishing the task.
Over the next few shots, we come to know that she is pregnant. "You are about ten weeks along," says the doctor at the hospital. Autumn (like the season she is named after) doesn't want any new leaves growing on her and so wants to do abortion. The doctor tries to change her mind by showing one of those scary abortion videos. She also informs about giving it up for adoption, but this is not Juno (2007), and the next thing we know, she starts taking tablets and punches her stomach. It is an uncomfortable scene to watch. Her house is not in good spirits. The mother may be kind, but the father is an asshole. And not only him, all the men here are shot as predators, but I wish it provided some explanation for the dad. One can deduce the reason to be Autumn's multiple partners and how her actions have made him resent her, but why so much hate? Anyways, moving on, we are introduced to the cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder), and she and Autumn work in a store at the counter. Their creepy boss kisses there hands when they hand him the money at the end of the day. Eventually, Skylar comes to know about the pregnancy, and since they cannot have an abortion at there hometown Pennsylvania, they pack their bags and go to New York.
On the bus, they meet Jasper (Théodore Pellerin), whose persistence allows the exchange of numbers. Later he shows up for a hold-your-breath scene when he is called upon for money and food. It is also one of those scenes which reminded me of a moment from Bombshell (2019) in which a character tells another about how the females have bowed down to the men in return for position and power. The film is not afraid to question the sword it is handling. At the New York hospital, they find out that they might have to stay for two more days to complete the abortion process. They try to figure out places to crash, and you suspect something terrible about to happen. And why not? You see a man trying to masturbate at them on a train. Naturally, you sense fear with and for the characters.
At a glance, you can see how this material could tempt a filmmaker to go for manipulative drama. A rousing speech on patriarchy could surely seal the deal. But writer-director Eliza Hittman goes for subtlety. She keeps the drama low-key and lets the quiet moments hit hard at you. Autumn's eyes speak more than a monologue can do. The scenes are restrained, and so are the excellent performances from the lead cast. One of the best scenes involves an MCQ type conversation between Autumn and a counselor, which gives the film its title. No family cliches, boyfriends, and conflicts are involved. Autumn does what she needs to do, and this focus becomes the film's strength saving it from going haywire or any derailment. The two main characters are attuned to reality: they walk, eat, and talk like a real person. No witty exchanges take place. Only tenderness remains.
At the time of writing this review, I see that the Rotten Tomatoes score for this movie is 98%, and on Metacritic, it has a score of 94. It is well-received and acclaimed by the critics. The scores are overwhelming. I don't completely share the enthusiasm of the rating because there were moments when I felt that this film is stretching its hands towards emptiness in the hope of finding something. When offered support for staying someplace by the doctor, Autumn refuses to take help. Why? And that masturbation in the train scene may be disturbing, but I don't think it needed to exist. But despite such minor issues and bugs, what remains is an incredible journey of confidence and strong female bonding. The movie ends with Autumn looking out from the window, basking in the light, and closing her eyes to relax before continuing her life. Nothing much has changed outside, but so much has from within.
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