Between the Temples Movie Review

In Nathan Silver’s offbeat comedy "Between the Temples," set in a quaint upstate New York town, protagonist Ben Gottlieb, portrayed by Jason Schwartzman, grapples with profound loss and disillusionment. A year after the death of his alcoholic novelist wife, Ben, a cantor who has lost his singing voice, navigates life in a haze of melancholy. His struggles are compounded by the relentless matchmaking efforts of his well-meaning Jewish mothers, who highlight his sense of stagnation and despair. The film, co-written by C Mason Wells, captures Ben's existential crisis with a blend of humor and warmth, thanks to the nostalgic cinematography of Sean Price Williams. Despite the heavy themes, the narrative is infused with a light-heartedness that reflects the absurdities of life. Ben’s poignant remark, “Even my name is in the past tense,” encapsulates his struggle, while moments of dark humor, such as his reckless desire to be run over by a truck, add depth to his character. A turning point occurs when Ben reconnects with his former music teacher, Carla Kessler O’Connor, played by Carol Kane. Both characters share a bond forged through loss, as they navigate their respective griefs. Carla, who never had a bat mitzvah due to her anti-religious upbringing, becomes a catalyst for Ben’s journey toward self-discovery and healing. "Between the Temples" unfolds through a series of vignettes that highlight the quirky, often surreal moments of life. The film’s unique structure allows for a rich exploration of relationships and the unexpected connections that can arise from shared experiences of sorrow and longing.