‘Bad Shabbos’ A Funny Movie That Covers Familiar Territory For Jewish Comedies
(REVIEW) Religious representation in film is, obviously, not at all equal. While faith-based movies constitute a big industry nowadays, it’s notable that when we’re talking about such movies, the vast majority are focused primarily on one faith: Christianity. Despite this, many filmmakers of different religious backgrounds have made films discussing their faith, though the style of such movies is often very different.
Take representations of Jewish faith in films. While contemporary-set Christian films tend to be hyper-sincere dramas with a strong message about the importance of faith, modern-day Jewish films lean on the comedy genre that pokes affectionate fun at Jewish culture and, when being sincere, stresses the importance of the traditions more so than personal faith.
Examples include Woody Allen movies, but more recent films by Adam Sandler like “You’re So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” Amy Sherman-Palladino’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and Jason Schwartzman’s “Between Two Temples” are also memorable additions. These movies present a different way of thinking and talking about faith that one might not appreciate if only familiar with their own.
The latest film to fall in the latter camp is "Bad Shabbos" by indie film director Daniel Robbins ("The Pledge" and "Citizen Weiner"). The movie follows many of the tropes you might expect from a Judaism-focused comedy. But its execution is what will make sure that — Jewish or not — you’ll have a good time.
"Bad Shabbos" follows David (played by Jon Bass) and his fiancée Meg (Meghan Leathers), who are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side. That’s when an accidental death (or murder?) gets in the way. With Meg's Catholic parents due at any moment, this family dinner soon spirals into a hilarious disaster. The film also stars Kyra Sedgwick, Cliff “Method Man” Smith and Milana Vayntrub.
The film is highly entertaining. The dialogue and banter are razor sharp and the jokes generate a laugh more often than not. All the actors balance being grounded and likable with being believable when they have to start doing increasingly outlandish things as the film goes on. The film is shot very confidently, with pans and quick cuts (one of which brings to mind Wes Anderson’s style of visual humor) used when they add to the story or the laughs — but aren’t forced in to create a self-conscious aesthetic.
Jewish faith and traditions are heavily focused on here as focal points of comedy and themes. Meg’s attempts to assimilate and the family’s attempts to adapt their customs to cover up the crime without breaking the Sabbath add to the hijinks. When the film gets sincere with what they value in their faith, that’s when it gets especially interesting. The Jewish matriarch Ellen (Sedgwick) has an extended scene with Meg where she explains her apprehensions about her, comparing the family’s faith to a plant that’s been handed down to her from generations and is now being handed to someone who “took an online class in gardening.”
The scene is both thoughtful and moving, showing that religion is central to the dynamics of the characters. It’s also a moment of deep empathy toward an archetype — the old-school religious mom — that often is merely villainized or poked fun at.
It also highlights one of the differences in Christian and Jewish film portrayals. Movies about Christianity (typically made by Christians) usually stress the importance of one’s personal relationship with God. Films about Judaism (typically by Jews) stress the importance of the Jewish individual’s relationship with traditions. The one time in “Bad Shabbos” that someone mentions talking to God personally is when David says he promised God he would be a better Jew, a promise he promptly breaks.
This might give the impression that this is a fully accurate representation of major differences between the two faiths. But it’s worth noting the complex interplay between different real-life faiths, and how the members of those religions make movies.
Last year, I interviewed Rabbi Shai Held about his new book "Judaism Is About Love.” He said one of the big reasons he wrote the book was to show that the stereotype that Christians were about love and Jews were about rules was untrue — a stereotype both Christians and Jews are often guilty of believing.
Many Christians (myself included) have criticized faith-based films for only portraying a narrow slice of the Christian faith designed to appeal to the “Hallmark Moms” market. Likewise, movies about Hindu or Muslim culture typically represent the world from the perspective of the person rebelling against it.
While "Bad Shabbos" is very funny, little about it really breaks new ground, as it primarily leans on the classic tropes and themes of a Jewish “meet the parents” comedy. The movie also has some tonal awkwardness between the relatively grounded characters and dialogue mixed with its rather unbelievable farcical premise and series of escalating decisions. Certain subplots come and go out of nowhere, like Meg feeling like she has had to sacrifice much more to be part of the family than he has to be accepted by hers — and her sister-in-law immediately swooping in and resolving that issue.
That said, if your expectations are set for a fun time at the movies with great performances, lovable characters and a lot of laughs, you are unlikely to be disappointed.
“Bad Shabbos” is playing now in select theaters.
Joseph Holmes is an award-nominated filmmaker and culture critic living in New York. He is co-host of the podcast “The Overthinkers” and its companion website theoverthinkersjournal.world, where he discusses art, culture and faith with his fellow overthinkers. His other work and contact info can be found at josephholmesstudios.com.