False Positive – Hulu Movie Review (4/5)

FALSE POSITIVE on Hulu is a horror, thriller, and mystery hybrid. It’s been compared to the iconic Rosemary’s baby but that’s way too simple. Instead, it could easily be billed as based on a true story. And no, it will not be to everyone’s liking. Read our full False Positive movie review here!

FALSE POSITIVE is a new horror movie on Hulu that also utilizes both thriller and mystery for its plot. And no, it will not be to everyone’s liking. Not everything will be explained directly. Quite a lot of symbolism is used. Also, there are nightmare scenes that show the fear and intuition of our main character.

Also, you do need to pay attention to catch all the small looks people share – both in focus and in the background. You can still watch the movie without catching all these moments. However, it will certainly heighten the overall experience if you really pay attention to everything that’s going on. All while also reading into the symbolism and clues that are delivered very early on!

Continue reading our full False Positive movie review below.

False Positive is not a new Rosemary’s Baby

Since the plot revolves around a woman becoming pregnant and strange stuff happening around her – which everyone states is simply due to “mommy brain” – the obvious comparison has been Rosemary’s Baby. However, that really doesn’t feel fair to either movie.

Sure, you could call this a modern take on the Rosemary’s Baby plot. Still, when you look at the core plot, they differ quite a lot. Especially due to the fact that much of the plot in False Positive is not at all unrealistic. This could definitely be sold on the whole “based on a true story”. More accurately than many other movies that use this moniker.

I have no doubt this movie will receive plenty of hate, but for me, this was entertaining and touch on many social subjects that are still highly relevant. Also, this horror movie has a lot of images and subjects that many people will not like. From body parts to talk about babies and fetuses, False Positive touches on many nerves.

Personally, I think this film handled them all elegantly and yet directly!

The cast and characters make it work

There is no doubt that the characters are driving much of this plot and, as such, the casting of these characters has to work. Fortunately, the cast of False Positive works perfectly. Well, for me anyway.

Ilana Glazer (Broad City) carries much – actually, most – of this movie, and there is no humor used for this performance. Instead, we see a smart and accomplished woman, who dreams of starting a family of her own. I won’t say too much, but I did especially like to see her maneuver her work-life (both before and after becoming pregnant.

A woman going after a career in a male-dominated field (or just a department or company) is so full of microaggressions which is shown very elegantly in False Positive.

As her husband, we see Justin Theroux (The Girl on the Train) who is a loving and understanding husband. However, early on, we see the small (yet direct) clues that he has other, darker, layers as well. Great performance by Theroux. The fertility doctor who “helps” the couple become pregnant is portrayed so damn wonderfully by Pierce Brosnan. I just adored him in this!

In smaller supporting roles, we see Gretchen Mol (Nightflyers), Sophia Bush (The Hitcher, 2007), and Josh Hamilton (American Horror Story: Coven).

Watch False Positive on Hulu now!

False Positive was directed by John Lee who also co-wrote the screenplay with the star of the movie, Ilana Glazer, who is a co-producer as well. Of course, the two have already worked together extensively since John Lee has directed several episodes of Broad City which Ilana Glazer starred in.

This is only the second feature film from John Lee since he directed his debut in 2016. His feature film debut was the Netflix original Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016) which is definitely another world compared to this new Hulu horror movie. Mostly, John Lee has worked on many TV series as both writer and director.

I loved the style of this film and found all the actors to deliver exactly what was needed, so I’m a very happy camper.

Also, that tagline of “Never underestimate a mother’s intuition” is spot-on! You’ll see what I mean if you’re actually ready to watch this movie and take in the entire story and core subjects.

False Positive is out on Hulu from June 25, 2021.

Details

Director: John Lee
Writers: Ilana Glazer, John Lee
Stars: Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, Pierce Brosnan, Gretchen Mol, Sophia Bush, Sabina Gadecki, Josh Hamilton