Nathan Silver brings a new, soul-stirring comedy-drama to the screen with 'Between the Temples,' detailing the poignant journey of a grieving cantor, Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman).
After the tragic loss of his wife, Ben struggles with faith, purpose, and residing with his well-meaning but meddlesome mothers. The film's opening scene masterfully depicts his anguish, marrying hilarity and torment as a truck driver refuses Ben's suicidal plea.
Ben hits rock bottom at a local bar, but there, he reconnects with his childhood music teacher Carla Kessler (Carol Kane), a free-spirited widow hoping to reconnect with her Jewish roots after a lifetime spent away from them. Their peculiar bond aids them both in navigating their loss and despair, providing each other with a somewhat improbable lifeline.
Their engaging dynamic, written by Silver and C. Mason Wells, draws on their shared grief and their connected past, providing the framework for the storyline. The film also introduces Gabby (Madeline Weinstein), the Rabbi's (Robert Smigel) daughter, adding another layer to the narrative, and brings about enthralling sequences within the narrative.
'Between the Temples,' shot to resemble an empathetic study of people's relationship with religion and one another, is not a critique of organized religion but rather a chronicle of human relationships and how they continuously evolve.
The performances by Schwartzman and Kane provide an exquisite balance of humor and sorrow. Schwartzman’s portrayal of a grieving, disheveled Ben is compelling, while Kane, with her exuberance and infectious humor, is the life of the movie.
The movie strongly evokes elements of 'Harold and Maude,' while its comedic sensibility recalls the works of Wes Anderson. It maintains a warm, improvisational touch and a strong naturalism that highlights the honesty and humility of its character’s struggles.
Brought to life with Sean Price William's intense 16mm handheld camera shots capturing intricately emotional moments and John Magary's creatively chaotic editing, 'Between the Temples' is more than just a film-it's an empathetic reflection of human resilience and connectedness.
Catch this comedic roller-coaster in theaters starting Friday, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
