Scrambled (2023)
Scrambled made me laugh, cry, and dance! As I approach 30, I can’t help but relate to the pressures and expectations Nellie finds herself stuck in. While her friends are getting married and having kids, she is still grieving, learning to accept herself, and finding joy in where she is in life. As an identical twin, I’ve often felt the weight of constant comparison, creating an internal pressure to live up to others’ perceptions of how I should navigate my own path.
What I love most about Nellie is that she chooses herself and her happiness, even when it’s hard. Scrambled beautifully portrays the effort and pain involved in putting yourself first. It’s not easy to stand firm in your worth, and it makes dating, friendships, and life’s transitions all the more challenging. The world, and often the people we love, impose expectations about where we should be by a certain age—expectations that can feel isolating and overwhelming. Nellie’s journey showcases this internal battle as she learns to balance her dreams with society's pressures.
The film doesn’t shy away from the sacrifices women make—physically, emotionally, and financially—just to claim agency over their own lives. When Nellie chooses to freeze her eggs, it’s a profound act of self-preservation, but it comes with significant costs. It’s not just the financial strain; the toll on her body highlights how incredible and resilient women are. Yet, it also shines a light on the inequities women face, especially when it comes to healthcare. Why do health insurance policies so often refuse to cover procedures that are crucial for women’s futures? Why must we shoulder such immense burdens just to procreate or even have the option to do so later? These struggles reflect a system that undervalues women’s health and choices.
What’s remarkable is how Nellie’s relationships evolve as she grows. I love seeing her friends begin to adjust their views of her, holding space for the multifaceted, ambitious, and loving person she is. She isn’t just a “party girl” who doesn’t want to settle down—she’s someone deeply committed to herself, her dreams, and the kind of honest, evolving relationships that matter most.
At its core, Scrambled reminds us that expectations are just words, advice, and feelings—fleeting and often misplaced. The real work lies in defining what matters to us and finding the courage to live for ourselves. It’s a deeply comforting reminder that while the pressure to conform may be universal, the strength to choose your path is, too. And those who truly love you will stand by the choices you make, even when they don’t fully understand them.
Directed, Written and Starring: Leah McKendrick
