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Between the Temples (2024)

Between the Temples (2024)

An unlikely duo bond amid grief and loneliness in this mesmerizing tale of Jewish love

7.0

Movie

United States of America
English, Vietnamese
Comedy, Drama
2024
NATHAN SILVER
Annie Hamilton, Carol Kane, Caroline Aaron
111 min

TLDR

The Graduate meets Harold and Maude meets 1970s Woody Allen dramedies.

What it's about

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 take

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.

What stands out

The dinner scene! I haven’t been that anxious since watching the “Forks” episode of The Bear.

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