Uncertain Terms

Robbie (David Dahlbom) is a 30-year-old man who recently broke up with his wife and is now seeking escape at the home of his aunt Carla (Cindy Silver), performing odd jobs while trying to stay out of the way of Carla's work: caring for unwed pregnant teen girls. While the girls unenthusiastically absorb life skills tied to motherhood and job preparedness, Robbie prunes trees and fixes shelving, intermittently arguing on the phone with his estranged spouse. Inevitably, Robbie becomes the focus of attention and sexual curiosity among the mothers-to-be. Eventually, Robbie does develop a bond with a soulful girl named Nina (India Menuez), who is close to her delivery date and trying to secure more cooperation and help from her immature boyfriend. Director Nathan Silver traces this relationship without adding any romantic fireworks or emotional lyricism, allowing the obvious to speak for itself: a grown man who is confused and angry about his marriage is drawn to an uncomplicated girl in need of a white knight. A compelling indie drama, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)