Sundance 2024

Between the Temples is a weird, awkward, and undeniably Jewish comedy-drama that charms more often than not, even if it's tough to fully parse thematically. Directed by Nathan Silver, the film stars Jason Schwartzman as Ben Gottlieb, a cantor suffering from a crisis of faith after the death of his wife. But when Ben reconnects with his eccentric former music teacher, Carla (played by Carol Kane), who's preparing for her belated bat mitzvah, he gains a restoration of faith...of sorts.

Schwartzman, who was somehow the most-watched actor of 2023 (a feat considering Nic Cage was in seven movies last year), is excellent in this role. His portrayal of Ben is filled with awkwardness and dry humor, which have become his signature. One of the film's standout scenes, and probably my favorite moment from Sundance this year, is the hilariously cringe dinner scene where Ben professes his love for Carla in front of everyone. It's the kind of squirm-inducing awkwardness that Schwartzman excels at, and it's both painful and funny to watch.

Carol Kane is still wonderfully weird as Carla, and her unpredictable chemistry with Schwartzman is a delight. Their dynamic, filled with charming surprises, makes their scenes together some of the most enjoyable in the film.

Perhaps it's my Filipino bias, but Dolly De Leon absolutely steals every scene she's in. Even in a more minor role, Dolly De Leon commands attention. Her presence is magnetic and absolutely hilarious, even amidst the film's eccentricities. Every time she's on screen, she's captivating, no matter how chaotic the scene.

Thematically, Between the Temples is hard to pin down entirely—it juggles grief, faith, and personal rediscovery in a loose and open-ended way. But the film's title is undeniably clever. This cleverness reflects the film itself: quirky, thoughtful, and more than a little awkward, but in an intentional way.

Overall, it's a strange but memorable film, with a standout cast and moments that'll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even feel a little lost—just like its protagonist.

— 3.5 / 5 ⭐