Between The Temples Review: From the moment we meet Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman), it’s clear he’s in a rough patch. Ben is a temple cantor who’s lost his ability to sing. As the credits roll, we witness Ben fleeing the temple, heading to a bar for too many mudslides, engaging in a pitiful fight, and then lying in the road, hoping a car will run him over before the driver ultimately takes him home. Ben’s appearance is scruffy, and he trudges back to his basement apartment at his mothers’ house (played by Dolly de Leon and Caroline Aaron). The basement’s door perpetually creaks and sounds like a witch’s cackle when someone tries to close it. Directed by Nathan Silver and co-written with C. Mason Wells, Between the Temples mirrors Ben’s state—somewhat disheveled, erratic, and peculiar, yet endearing enough to draw you in.
Between the Temples
Comedy, Drama
The story revolves around a cantor in crisis who finds his life upended when his former grade school music teacher returns as his new adult Bat Mitzvah student.
Release Date
August 23, 2024
Director
Nathan Silver
Cast
Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane, Dolly de Leon, Caroline Aaron, Robert Smigel
Runtime
111 Minutes
What Is ‘Between the Temples’ About?
Ben’s turmoil stems from the recent death of his wife. Despite his loved ones’ empathy, they’re pushing him to re-enter the dating scene. His mothers set up a fake Jdate profile for him, while Rabbi Bruce (Robert Smigel) suggests his daughter Gabby (Madeline Weinstein) as a potential match. Yet, Ben is more focused on Carla O’Connor (Carol Kane), his former music teacher who now wants to have a bat mitzvah. As Ben mentors Carla, he begins to rediscover the spark of hope he lost after his wife’s passing.
Between the Temples has a distinctive humor and tone that accentuates Ben’s discomfort. This creates a somewhat jarring, tense style, largely due to John Magary’s editing. The film’s pacing can lead to awkward, cringe-worthy moments. The script by Silver and Wells sometimes feels like a patchwork of odd and uncomfortable scenarios for Ben, amplified by the editing choices. For instance, a scene where Ben and Carla accidentally drink “special” tea, leading to a bizarre chase around the house, is more strange than humorous.
While this approach works at times, Between the Temples often struggles to balance its tone. However, it excels in moments where the discomfort is harnessed effectively, such as a climactic dinner scene that heightens Ben’s emotional clumsiness amidst absurdity. Although the film’s comedic attempts don’t always hit the mark, they contribute to its overall charm.
Much like last year’s The Holdovers, Silver’s direction gives the film a retro, almost 70s feel, reminiscent of Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude. This aesthetic imparts a certain warmth to Between the Temples, even when the narrative falters. The film’s slightly hazy look evokes a sense of a surreal, dream-like memory.
Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane Make a Wonderful Pair in ‘Between the Temples’
The film thrives on the chemistry between Schwartzman’s Ben and Kane’s Carla. Their relationship feels like a mutual coming-of-age journey, with Carla helping Ben rediscover joy and possibilities. Schwartzman’s portrayal of Ben is refreshingly different, lacking the usual confidence and showing both sadness and heart.
Supporting performances from Dolly De Leon and Caroline Aaron as Ben’s overbearing mothers, and Robert Smigel as Rabbi Bruce, add to the film’s tension and comedy. Madeline Weinstein also stands out as Gabby, a potential romantic interest for Ben who doesn’t quite capture his attention as Carla does.
Kane’s performance as Carla, rediscovering her faith through Ben’s teachings, is a highlight. She explores both her reserved and expressive sides, creating a compelling dynamic with Schwartzman. Their interactions, even the simplest ones, reveal how their lives intertwine and enhance each other.
Between the Temples is bolstered by the strong performances of Schwartzman and Kane. Despite some tonal inconsistencies and mismatched elements, the film shines when it centers on their relationship, making it a memorable and heartfelt experience.
