Set in a sleepy town in upstate New York, Between the Temples (2024) by director Nathan Silver is an offbeat Jewish dramedy revolving around Ben Gottlieb (played by Jason Schwartzman), a cantor experiencing a severe crisis of faith. After the tragic loss of his wife, an alcoholic novelist, Ben finds himself adrift. His singing voice gone, his sense of purpose diminished, he stumbles through life with minimal enthusiasm. His journey is filled with emotional and spiritual dilemmas, further complicated by his overbearing Jewish mothers (Caroline Aaron and Dolly De Leon), who are intent on setting him up with a suitable romantic partner.
Ben’s malaise is interrupted when he reconnects with Carla Kessler O’Connor (played by Carol Kane), his childhood music teacher. What starts as an awkward reunion soon blossoms into an unexpected bond as Carla, now a widow herself, requests Ben to help her prepare for her adult Bat Mitzvah—a rite of passage she missed out on due to her unconventional upbringing.
Characters: A Study in Melancholy and Connection
At the center of Between the Temples is Ben, portrayed by Jason Schwartzman in one of his most nuanced performances to date. Ben is a man overwhelmed by grief, struggling to find his footing in a world that seems indifferent to his suffering. Schwartzman’s portrayal of Ben’s disillusionment is both heart-wrenching and, in moments, darkly comedic. His interactions with Carla offer a flicker of hope, their shared grief acting as a conduit for their deepening friendship.
Carol Kane’s portrayal of Carla is one of the film’s most captivating elements. Carla is a woman full of contradictions—a former free spirit, now seeking structure and faith later in life. Kane’s performance balances humor and poignancy, making her character feel incredibly real, especially in her Bat Mitzvah journey, which is equal parts earnest and eccentric.
Supporting characters like Ben’s mothers add comedic layers to the story, with their relentless efforts to set Ben up with Rabbi Bruce’s daughter Gabby (Madeline Weinstein) serving as a subtle critique of the pressure to conform to societal expectations, even in times of grief.
Visual and Cinematic Excellence
Shot in 16mm film by cinematographer Sean Price Williams, Between the Temples evokes a sense of nostalgia and intimacy that perfectly complements the film’s introspective nature. The film’s handheld camera work and close-up shots highlight the raw, emotional exchanges between the characters. Williams’ ability to capture subtle, often fleeting, human expressions makes the audience feel as though they are eavesdropping on intimate moments of vulnerability.
The naturalistic lighting and use of soft colors throughout the film provide a warmth that contrasts with the melancholic tone, offering a sense of hope amid Ben’s existential despair. There is a striking beauty in the mundane settings—beige living rooms, dimly lit bars, and synagogues—that reflects the film’s theme of finding connection and meaning in the everyday.
Themes and Messages: Grief, Faith, and Rediscovery
Between the Temples is a meditation on grief and the search for meaning in life, especially within the framework of faith. Ben’s struggle with his religious identity mirrors his personal turmoil, creating a film that is less about organized religion and more about personal spirituality. Carla’s decision to pursue her Bat Mitzvah at an older age introduces questions about belonging, tradition, and late-in-life self-discovery.
The film subtly critiques the expectation that faith and life should follow a linear path. Both Ben and Carla challenge these notions through their unconventional bond, finding solace in their shared experiences and desire for renewal. The relationship between the two leads is complex—part friendship, part mentorship, part surrogate family—which underscores the movie’s central message: connection and healing often come from the most unexpected places.
Comparison to Similar Films
The film evokes comparisons to Harold and Maude (1971) in its exploration of an unusual, age-disparate relationship formed out of a shared sense of existential weariness. However, where Harold and Maude leaned into black comedy, Between the Temples strikes a more contemplative tone. Another parallel can be drawn to the Coen Brothers’ A Serious Man (2009), particularly in its exploration of Jewish identity, but Between the Temples is more empathetic in its portrayal of personal faith struggles.
While some viewers might expect a broader comedy given Schwartzman’s involvement, the film stays grounded in the bittersweet, with moments of levity tempered by the characters’ deeper emotional journeys.
Direction and Screenwriting
Nathan Silver’s direction imbues Between the Temples with a gentle, offbeat rhythm. His storytelling is as much about what is unsaid as what is spoken, using silences and subtle body language to convey the inner lives of his characters. The screenplay, co-written by Silver and C. Mason Wells, offers sharp, witty dialogue that captures the awkwardness of human interactions, particularly in moments of discomfort and vulnerability.
Silver’s keen understanding of character dynamics makes the film shine. Whether it’s the cringe-worthy set-ups orchestrated by Ben’s mothers or the tender moments between Ben and Carla, the film never feels forced. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to sit with the characters’ discomfort, confusion, and eventual moments of clarity.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch?
Between the Temples is a quiet, thoughtful film that rewards patient viewers with rich emotional payoffs. It’s a nuanced exploration of grief, faith, and the unexpected connections that can help us heal. With standout performances from Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane, coupled with beautiful cinematography, this film is a unique gem in the indie circuit.
If you enjoy films like A Serious Man or Harold and Maude, Between the Temples will resonate deeply with you. It’s a movie that asks its audience to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and beliefs—making it more than just a film, but an experience.
Curious to see how this indie masterpiece unfolds? Watch the trailer here and find out more about where you can stream Between the Temples here. Looking for more highly-rated indie films? Check out our recommendations here.
