It's unusual to see a movie representing Indian culture coming out of Hollywood, but The Last Conception has a lot going for it. Savarna Sikand (Nazanin Mandi),and her girlfriend (played by Callie Schuttera) have been dating for a couple of years but so far Savarana hasn't got around to introducing her partner to the family. Knowing how much her parents want her to produce offspring (and never mind the fact of her being the last in line of a great spiritual lineage),the young woman decides it's time to put them out of their misery.

While I don't usually review movies, this one being written by a writer pal of mine, I thought I'd better give it a look. Based on his book of the same title, Gabriel Constans has created a multi-cultural rom-com that, though at times feels more like a sit-com than a movie, is an enjoyable frolic. The film doesn't necessarily tie up all the loose ends but is nevertheless a heart-warming tale that takes in LGBTQ couples, modern lifestyles and romance, without getting cheesy or cliched. Directed by Gabriela Ledesma and starring the likes of Marshall Manesh (as Savarna's father) and Roberta Ranlen (hilarious as Callie's mother),the cast does a stirling job in this thought-provoking and entertaining film.

Many people flounder under the weight of family expectations, but for Savarna's family, those expectations are a bit heavier and a lot more bizarre than most. She navigates all this with the help of her quirky, adoring girlfriend, a charmingly goofy best friend, and a healthy dose of cynicism.

The Last Conception delivers laughs and heartwarming moments in nearly equal measure thanks to a smart, witty script and bright, energetic performances from the cast. This is a fun film to watch with loved ones, and it will make you want to believe in love, family, friendship...and maybe even destiny.

The Last Conception (2020). I loved this movie. It had elements of two of my favorite movies: the clash of cultures in Where's the Party Yaar? (2003) and the difficulty of coming out to your own family in Happiest Season (2020). A great screenplay by Gabriel Constans with its constant twists and turns kept me interested throughout the movie. Spoiler alert: Another reason I liked it is because I'm a Buddhist.