Nine Months, released in theaters on July 14, 1995, is a charming and often chaotic romantic comedy that explores the hilarious and terrifying realities of impending parenthood. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film takes a lighthearted yet honest look at commitment phobia, unexpected life changes, and the transformative power of a baby on a couple’s relationship.
Samuel Faulkner (Hugh Grant) is a successful child psychologist living a perfectly comfortable, commitment-free life with his beautiful girlfriend, Rebecca Taylor (Julianne Moore). Their idyllic existence is suddenly upended when Rebecca announces she’s pregnant. Samuel, a man who meticulously plans everything and fears change, is thrown into a tailspin of panic, doubt, and hilarious attempts to come to terms with fatherhood.
As Rebecca’s pregnancy progresses, Samuel’s anxieties lead to a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, pushing their relationship to the brink. He must ultimately confront his fears and embrace the unpredictable joy of becoming a parent.
Grant (Notting Hill) is in classic form as Samuel Faulkner. He perfectly embodies the charmingly neurotic, perpetually flustered Englishman, whose escalating panic and awkward attempts to cope with the news of impending fatherhood provide much of the film’s comedic backbone. Grant’s signature stammer and bewildered expressions are a constant source of amusement.
Moore is wonderfully warm and grounded as Rebecca Taylor. She brings a relatable blend of excitement, frustration, and unwavering love to her role, making her the sympathetic heart of the film. Her exasperation with Samuel’s immaturity is palpable, but her underlying affection keeps their relationship believable.
Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore in Nine Months (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Tom Arnold provides boisterous and often inappropriate advice as Marty Dwyer, Samuel’s married, unfiltered friend. His chaotic family life offers a glimpse into one possible future for Samuel.
Jeff Goldblum is brilliantly quirky and cynical as Sean Fletcher, Samuel’s best friend and a confirmed bachelor who constantly reinforces Samuel’s fears about commitment and domesticity. Goldblum’s unique delivery and offbeat humor are a highlight.
And in a memorable cameo, Robin Williams appears as Dr. Kosevich, an eccentric and highly energetic Russian obstetrician. Williams’s brief but impactful performance is a burst of pure comedic genius, providing some of the film’s most laugh-out-loud moments.
Reception for Nine Months
Nine Months grossed $12.5 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind Apollo 13 ($15.6 million) and narrowly behind Under Siege 2: Dark Territory ($12.6 million).
The film would gross $69.7 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Nine Months is a delightful and often uproarious comedy that resonates with anyone who has faced major life changes with trepidation. It’s a charming exploration of love, fear, and the messy, beautiful journey into parenthood, proving that sometimes, the best things in life are entirely unplanned.
