The Surrogate

With this fascinating little moral-dilemma movie, debut writer/director Jeremy Hersh sensitively explores a most divisive conundrum. Jasmine Batchelor plays the initially unflappable Jess, a New York-based, African-American web designer working for a non-profit, who seems firmly committed to doing good in the world. She's agreed to be the surrogate and egg donor for her gay friends (Chris Perfetti and Sullivan Jones), but the fallout following a prenatal test threatens the trio's apparently unshakeable bond. Don't be deterred by this film's unflashy indie aesthetic; The Surrogate is hugely engaging and thrashes out its issues thoroughly. Hersh has a gift for tastefully probing provocative subjects, and he artfully frames the plot's believably awkward interactions. While each character proves sympathetic, Batchelor is excellent as Jess, who seeks a variety of opinions while deliberating over her dilemma. It is the complexity and credibility of Batchelor's performance that enables The Surrogate to connect on such a deep and emotional level.