First Comes Love

New York filmmaker Nina Davenport always wanted to have a child, but had trouble finding a partner with whom to start a family. Upon turning 41, Davenport decides to become pregnant more or less on her own, as chronicled in this HBO-aired documentary. Over the next two years, Davenport films her experience, beginning by talking to people in her life, such as a friend who opts to follow the same path, and a sister-in-law who doubts her income is equal to the challenge. Davenport's father, a retired Ford executive with little sympathy for her career choice, flatly states, “I think it's ridiculous” (Nina's two brothers have wives, children, and traditional jobs). Nonetheless, after her gay friend, Eric, agrees to serve as a donor, Davenport starts IVF treatment with help from her best friend, Amy. Although she becomes pregnant, Davenport doesn't get to share the news with her mother, who passes away during a trip to France. Her conception also takes place in the midst of a long-distance relationship, although her boyfriend, John, offers his support. Davenport documents the birth of her son, Jasper, as well as other intimate moments, with a lack of self-consciousness that may prove discomforting to some (and doesn't necessarily add to the narrative). She may be a single mother, but Amy and Eric pitch in often, acting like a cross between co-parents and an aunt and uncle. Even her father gets on board, but issues arise with Eric and John when Jasper begins to develop attachments. At film's end, Davenport remains single, but has no regrets about single motherhood. Although somewhat uneven, this should be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)