Many movies try to be nostalgic, but few have come as close as Between the Temples. Directed by Nathan Silver, it channels classics like The Graduate, Harold and Maude, and early Woody Allen dramedies without trying too hard. It has the grain, patina, and camera movements of 60s and 70s movies, and its central love story–though not quite shocking now–might’ve been subversive then. But more than just a pleasant trip to the past, Between the Temples is a reassuring film about the deep and healing bond two people can forge amidst grief and loneliness. It also tackles faith and tradition without being preachy or stifling. Many scenes can feel overwhelming, but the moments after feel cathartic, even if—as in religion and as in life—they rarely give you a sure answer.
"The images, in turn, don't merely depict the drama but become integral to it, thanks to the cinematography of Sean Price Williams..."
— Richard Brody
"The stylistic flourishes stay on the right side of ‘quirky indie’, and Between the Temples easily hits its darker story beats, anchored by its infinitely charming leads."
— Hannah Strong
A grief-stricken cantor in a crisis of faith finds his world turned upside down when his grade school music teacher re-enters his life as his new adult Bat Mitzvah student. The two forlorn souls develop a special connection.
When retired music teacher Carla Kessler (Carol Kane) decides to have a bat mitzvah, she asks her former student Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman) to guide her. They soon develop a deep bond, but discover that their loved ones are against their friendship.
The dinner scene! I haven’t been that anxious since watching the “Forks” episode of The Bear.
The Graduate meets Harold and Maude meets 1970s Woody Allen dramedies.
Berlin
1 nomination
Spirit Awards
1 nomination
Sundance
1 nomination
NYFCC
1 win
