Tribeca 2021: False Positive Review

This will be one of several reviews from this year’s Tribeca film Festival. To follow our coverage, click here.

Despite our best intentions, that sinking feeling whenever things don’t seem quite right has uneased moviegoers since the beginning of film, a staple of psychological horror. Meanwhile, most people at some point in their lives have thought about having children at some point in their lives and/or have been prompted to by others, be it friends or family. The birth of one’s child is been often described as one of the best moments in one’s life but this isn’t always as easy to accomplish as others. However, this film is obviously not about when things go right. Going from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows only emphasizes the impact of these polar opposite stages though suffice it to say this journey was not easy for all involved. The film tells the story of Lucy (Glazer) and Adrian (Theroux), a couple who faced issues with conceiving a child until a chance encounter with fertility specialist named Dr. Hindle (Brosnan) finally resulted in the couple getting pregnant. Of course that was only the start of their story.

Finally succeeding at getting pregnant, Lucy failed to get consumed by the moment as there was something about Dr. Hindle that didn’t seem quite right to her. Unfortunately, she was alone in that belief. From there, the gaslighting began as a means to pass off her concerns as related to her pregnancy and nothing more, essentially leaving her alone to deal with the unusual happenings going on which made her question herself and the world around her and these happenings only got worse leading up to Lucy’s delivery. Nevertheless, she persisted while an increasing feeling of uncertainty of what may or may not happen only added to the overall tension. In the end, as Lucy took control of the situation, it was empowering to watch because of Glazer’s powerful performance which was both compelling and full of range in the face of the challenges placed her way. Meanwhile, Brosnan was entertainingly creepy as Dr. Hindle with the gravitas befitting of the larger-than-life character.

At the end of the day, False Positive is yet another entertaining genre romp that is sure to hit the right spot for those looking for something to stream.

still courtesy of Hulu

If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.

Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.