Film

Unplanned

Name: Unplanned
Genre: Drama
Released: 2019
Cast: Ashley Bratcher, Brooks Ryan, Robia LaMorte, Emma Elle Roberts, Robin DeMarco

Biopic

Unplanned dramatizes the true story of Abby Johnson, a Planned Parenthood director who leaves the organization after witnessing an abortion procedure. It's a sincere faith-based conversion narrative that takes its subject seriously, aimed at viewers already skeptical of abortion or seeking spiritual affirmation. The film doesn't traffic in sensationalism—it treats Johnson's journey as a matter of conscience.

TMDb rating

3.4

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Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer2018

A parallel true-crime narrative examining abortion through the lens of criminal prosecution. Methodical courtroom drama that raises hard questions without preaching, focusing on investigative work and legal procedure.

But Deeply uncomfortable subject matter presented without softening. Some viewers may feel it exploits real suffering for ideological purposes.

Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer poster

The Case for Christ2017

Similar conversion-story structure: a skeptical professional investigates claims that challenge everything they believe, leading to transformation. Warm performances and genuine emotional stakes without condescension.

But Faith-based drama where the outcome feels predetermined. Dialogue can veer toward exposition rather than conversation.

I'm Not Ashamed2016

Another faith-centered narrative about a real teenager (Rachel Scott) whose convictions cost her everything. Sincere performances and a refusal to sensationalize tragedy, treating belief as the film's actual subject.

But Tragic subject matter handled with intentional restraint means slow pacing. Won't satisfy viewers seeking dramatic catharsis.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Unplanned

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Switched at Birth2011

Both examine identity transformation and the possibility of fundamentally changing your allegiance to the community that raised you. Both take seriously the idea that seeing differently means becoming different.

A hearing teenager raised by a deaf family discovers her switched identity and must navigate two worlds. The series authentically explores how community and conviction shape who we become, treating switching ideologies with the same gravity Unplanned grants its conversion.

But Melodrama premises mask genuine complexity, but five seasons means real commitment required. The show occasionally indulges in teen-soap theatrics.

Risen2016

A Roman officer investigates the Resurrection as a mystery to be solved. Treats faith questions like a detective procedural, letting skepticism and belief genuinely argue rather than caricature each other.

But Low-budget production values show throughout. Theological debate doesn't accelerate into plot momentum.

Fireproof2008

A firefighter's marriage crisis becomes a spiritual reckoning. Character-driven and modest in scope, it prioritizes intimate struggle over spectacle and avoids preachiness despite its clear convictions.

But Earnestness without substantial craft. Dialogue often feels written for instruction rather than authenticity.

Courageous2011

Police officers examine fatherhood and faith after tragedy. Ensemble cast, focused performances, and a willingness to sit with grief rather than resolve it instantly toward uplift.

But Nearly two-and-a-half hours of quiet deliberation. Rewards patience more than entertainment-seeking.

Do You Believe?2015

Multiple interconnected stories exploring how faith shapes real decisions in contemporary America. Manages genuine ensemble complexity without reducing characters to sermon illustrations.

But Ambitious structure means some threads resolve incompletely. Tonal shifts between stories can feel disjointed.

Old Fashioned2014

A film-studies professor and a young woman navigate courtship and faith in small-town America. Thoughtfully examines how conviction shapes intimacy and choice without judgment toward either character.

But Deliberately paced and visually austere. The romance operates on internal principle rather than external drama.

The Shack2017

A grieving father confronts God after family tragedy. Philosophically ambitious in ways most faith films avoid, asking hard questions about suffering without offering easy theodicy.

But Tries to dramatize abstract theology, resulting in sometimes clumsy visual metaphors. Tonal inconsistency between grief and spiritual instruction.

Veep2012

The inverse examination of how people justify their choices and rebrand themselves. Where Unplanned treats conversion as sincere transformation, Veep treats all ideological switches as opportunism. Same structure, opposite conclusion.

Viciously funny satire about a former abortion-rights advocate entering high government. Weaponizes cynicism against ideology of all kinds. Features Emma Roberts' mother Julia Roberts in guest role; the show dismantles political conversion narratives in real time.

But Profane and brutal; finds nihilism hilarious. Completely inverts Unplanned's moral universe and pulls no punches about performative conviction.

The Cider House Rules1999

Both dramatize abortion through intimate character choice rather than policy or statistics. Both ask whether moral conviction should override institutional loyalty. Unplanned answers yes; this film suggests the question is more complicated than either side admits.

A young man raised by an abortion-providing orphanage director must decide whether to honor his mentor's principles or forge his own moral code. Beautifully shot, acted with restraint, genuinely conflicted about reproductive ethics without landing on easy certainty.

But Quietly paced in ways modern audiences find slow. The film refuses to vindicate either position completely, which can feel evasive to viewers seeking clarity.