THE STORK

In an era where cinematic comedies often stumble into tired tropes, "The Stork" delivers a breath of fresh air, blending humor, tenderness, and awkwardness in a way that feels entirely new and wholly charming. Directed by Stephen Gallacher, this delightfully sticky short film is a vibrant dive into the world of love, family, and the unexpected messiness of life. 

At its heart, "The Stork" revolves around a rather delicate situation: a sperm delivery mishap. However, this chaotic comedy is far more than a crude gag about fertility—it's a story about how families, even when they don't fully understand, will go to great lengths to support their loved ones. Clive, a well-meaning but bumbling courier, finds himself at the center of a domestic fiasco when an order of Norwegian sperm, intended for a lesbian couple trying to conceive, goes awry. The twist? The recipient's parents, Gwenda and Ian, are the ones who answer the door—and promptly ruin the contents. Now, they must scramble to find a solution before their daughter returns. 

What makes "The Stork" such an endearing watch is its willingness to explore sensitive topics with warmth and humor. The parents, though clueless in some ways, are unequivocally loving and determined to help their child create the family she wants, even if their methods aren't entirely... conventional. The film never ridicules them for their ignorance; instead, it invites us to laugh with them, not at them. In doing so, it paints a portrait of parents who might not fully grasp the nuances of the queer experience, but whose hearts are firmly in the right place. 

The performances are a true highlight. Siobhan Finneran’s portrayal of Gwenda is a standout. With a perfect balance of slapstick and sincerity, she injects the film with both comic energy and emotional depth. Gwenda’s cluelessness is played for laughs, but it’s also evident that her clumsy efforts come from a place of genuine care. Paul Chahidi, as Ian, matches Finneran’s energy with his own brand of hapless charm, and Tom Rosenthal’s Clive adds the perfect note of overwhelmed yet endearing awkwardness. 

Gallacher’s direction complements the strong performances, crafting a film that is as visually engaging as it is emotionally resonant. The pace never drags, and the camera work—particularly the slick tracking shots—enhances the film’s sense of controlled chaos. There’s a vibrancy in the film's aesthetic, drawing from a palette that’s as colorful as the characters themselves. The humor is consistently sharp, and though the material could easily slip into uncomfortable territory, the film manages to maintain a lighthearted tone without diminishing the serious themes it subtly addresses.

If there’s any critique to be made, it’s that the absence of the lesbian couple who ordered the sperm leaves a slight gap in the story’s emotional payoff. Their presence, even briefly, could have added depth to the narrative and helped tie together the film’s comedic and thematic elements. Still, this is a minor quibble in a film that otherwise manages to tackle queerness, parenthood, and love with both levity and respect. 

Ultimately, "The Stork" is a rare gem that blends absurdity with warmth. It’s a film that not only entertains but leaves you with a smile, celebrating the unconditional love that transcends ignorance and misunderstanding. In a world full of family comedies, this one stands out as a testament to the unexpected ways in which we all come together to support one another, no matter the mess we might make along the way.