Whitney Cummings’ Directorial Debut ‘The Female Brain’ Examines the Science of Love

Romance and relationships are a result of neuroscience. The chemicals our brains produce, the pre-existing hardwiring, the ability to nurture and feel empathy all accumulate to what our culture accepts as love. “The Female Brain,” based on the hit-novel of the same name by Louann Brizendine, takes a look at the real-life science behind several different romantic courtships.

At the center of the film is Julia (Whitney Cummings), a hardworking and dedicated neuroscientist, whose research into the female brain and examination of three-different couples, as well as her own progressing coupling with her handsome test subject Kevin (Toby Kebbell, “War for the Planet of the Apes”), leads her to reevaluate her pre-existing notions on love.

The first couple introduced is Lisa (Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”) and Steven (Dean Cole, “Blackish”). They have been married for several years and appear to have it all — successful careers, a large beautiful house, and well-achieving son. Their marriage, on the other hand, has become quite dull. Their storyline plays the most cliché among the other intertwining relationships. The two go down the checklist in order to spice things up – including taking ecstasy in a somewhat out of place and out of touch scene.

Also in need of a quick relationship fluffer are Zoe (Cecily Strong, “Saturday Night Live”) and Greg (Blake Griffin). The newlywed couple struggles with their issue to find balance. She is a successful marketing associate thriving for independence, and he is an alpha male NBA star. Griffin essentially plays a version of himself in the film, but his ability to hit comedic marks makes the performer’s transition from the court to the screen notable. His presence along with the duo’s chemistry makes their storyline the most appealing.

Lastly, there is Lexi (the always charming Lucy Punch, “Bad Teacher”) and Adam (James Marsden, “Westworld”). Their relationship is largely defined by Lexi’s constant perfectionist attitude. In her never-ending frenzy to change her boyfriend’s appearance, the relationship goes through several challenges. All is put on the line when they must go to Lexi’s father’s birthday party, which she knows will be a platform for her criticizing mother to throw judgment.

In the course of Julia’s (Cummings) research, in which she receives assistance from her young, chatty associate Abby (Beanie Feldstein, “Lady Bird”), she begins to unexpectedly fall in love with one of her test subjects. However, her character’s hardened disposition, as a result of her off-shoot childhood, places a roadblock in the middle of the blossoming relationship. It’s a character that Cummings plays quite often, both on screen in various acting roles as well as in her stand-up routine. In “The Female Brain” she has perfected the act, thus allotting Cummings to perhaps move on.

The comedian also serves as co-writer and director of the film, the latter of which it is her debut. While the script is filtered with numerous typical romantic-comedy storylines and troupes, the pop-up graphics that illustrate the neurological process behind each character’s motivation provides the film with an intriguing and unique aesthetic, along with a fresh perspective.

The Female Brain opens Feb. 9 in limited theatrical release and VOD.