America is again on the precipice of shameful anti-abortion legislation, and the Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade entirely. The timing of Plan B's release, a refreshing comedy that deals with the realities of being a young woman in red-leaning states, feels simultaneously important and delightful. Important in that, how can young women still possibly be dealing with the age-old problem of access to healthcare regarding their reproductive rights (and having to get free condoms at Hot Topic)? And delightful in that there’s plenty to love in this female-driven comedy that uses a whole heck of a lot of car metaphors when referring to the female anatomy.

Here are your five screenwriting takeaways from Hulu's Plan B.

1. The powerful dynamic duo.  The heart and soul of this film is the relationship between its costars. Lupe (Victoria Moroles) and Sunny (Kuhoo Verma) have an envious kind of friendship and an epic connection. They have the Thelma and Louise ride-or-die dynamic and a Sandra Bullock to a Melissa McCarthy kind of chemistry. Basically, the pair follows the formula for a great buddy comedy. The audience is immediately let in on their “opposites attract” pairing: Lupe’s father is a preacher and makes her wipe off her black punk rock lipstick at the breakfast table. Lupe does so, but not without much protest and witty comebacks. Sunny has the ultimate helicopter parent and long played the dutiful role of “good daughter.” It’s the punk rock misfit who’s embraced a beyond-honest straight-A student dynamic, because frankly, who else are they gonna hang out with? Either way, these two are instantly charming, witty and adore each other, making them very easy to root for. It should also be noted it’s not every day (but maybe it will be in the not-so-distant future) that a Latinx and Indian woman are leads in a female-driven comedy, and this pairing rightfully owns the screen. 

2. Writing with a political message.  It was Orwell who said “writing is a political act.” Plan B is no exception. But what works well here is that the political message doesn't hit the audience over the head. There is no after-school special takeaway, and the political plotline does not go much deeper than a pharmacist denying selling the pair a morning after pill due to the “conscience clause.” At least 12 states have this clause on the books, allowing a medical professional to deny service if it affects their conscience. Is it still easy to shed a tear when the pair go through hell to reach Planned Parenthood just to discover its doors have been shuttered permanently? Yes, yes it is. That’s just being a woman in America. But writers Joshua Levy and Prathiksha Srinivasan do an excellent job ensuring every heavy moment is followed by one with levity. Not to mention director Natalie Morales knows the simple image of a shuttered Planned Parenthood can speak volumes over limited dialogue. 

3. Memorable love interests.  Every good road trip reproductive rights comedy needs a great love story, and while the greatest love story in this film is the friendships between the leads, their respective love interests are also fun, sexy and crush-worthy. Lupe has a crush on someone named Logan. Logan is older, doesn’t live nearby, and loves sexy selfies. It would be wrong to give away Logan’s reveal here, but needless to say, Logan helps Lupe be more honest with herself and with others. Sunny’s crush on Hunter (Michael Provost) is also swoon-worthy. While Sunny has always been nervous around her crush, Hunter proves he’s felt the same. When they both fess up to their feelings, Hunter proves a voice of reason, a fan of sex positivity, and an overall excellent confidante. It is lovely to see Sunny lean into romance while simultaneously staying true to herself.
 

4. Third act low moments can be subtle.  Is there a fight between the film’s dual protagonists in the third act? Yes, there is. Is it extremely dramatic? No, it’s simple and realistic and feels accurate for a fight between two teens. Both Sunny and Lupe are keeping secrets from each other for fear of judgment. They both discover these secrets in a surprising way. Then, they both talk it out. Sometimes, third act low moments can be simple and realistic, and very effective because of that lack of showy cinematic frills. 

5. Write for and hire an improviser.  There are some subplot characters who are absolute scene-stealers in Plan B. When Sunny and Lupe desperately pull into a gas station for supplies and directions, they meet Doris (Edi Patterson). Things seem instantly off when she tells them to look out for the doll museum as a landmark. Things go darker as one wonders if the friendship necklaces Lupe pilfers from the store are crystals, or actually crystal meth... Especially when the audience realizes Doris loves oxycontin and has a distaste for the film Footloose after her husband suffered an unfortunate accident with two cars and his balls. Patterson (well known as an L.A. Groundling and for her role in Righteous Gemstones) kills the scene and one can't help but long for a Doris spin-off as soon as possible.  

Final Takeaway: While a female-driven comedy about reproductive rights feels very on-trend right now (there’s also the recent Unpregnant), Plan B still feels fresh enough to be its own, unique filmic experience. That’s in large part thanks to a pair of young funny writers who already understand the value of friendship as the strong thread that makes a buddy comedy function in excellent form. Stream Plan B on Hulu now for immediate good feels.