Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Offbeat dramedy about Jewish identity has mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Between the Temples
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BETWEEN THE TEMPLES follows Ben (Jason Schwartzman), a 40-something Jewish cantor who has lost his voice, his confidence, and possibly his faith. Struggling with his identity and purpose in life, his traditional world gets turned upside down when his former elementary music teacher, Carla (Carol Kane), randomly shows up at his synagogue, adamantly demanding to have her adult bat mitzvah.
Is It Any Good?
Director Nathan Silver's dramedy is an uncomfortable journey about finding identity, purpose, and meaning with erratic twists that don't quite fulfill the story's compelling concept. The film isn't terrible, but it ultimately comes off as dysfunctionally chaotic rather than emotionally intelligent. Dark humor, grief, and cultural recognition collide with too many ideas, erratic character arcs, and too many unexpected storytelling choices. And while the connection between Schwartzman and Kane feels authentically tender, the one-note supporting characters and stereotypical jokes undermine the story's overall believability. Between the Temples pushes the envelope a little too far as a confrontational punchline, awkwardly rubbing against viewers' grain instead of fulfilling the possibility of an unconventional, intergenerational love story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how faith is portrayed in Between the Temples. How does it compare to other movies you've seen on the topic? What does faith mean to you? Can that meaning change over time?
What role does faith play in Ben and Carla's search for identity, purpose, and meaning? Have you ever felt lost, like Ben did? Who helped you? How can family, friends, and communities help you find direction again?
How do the filmmakers highlight Jewish faith and community in this film? Are traditions and rituals shown with humor, respect, or both? Why?
Are there realistic consequences for drinking/substance use in the film? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 23, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : September 24, 2024
- Cast : Jason Schwartzman , Carol Kane , Robert Smigel
- Director : Nathan Silver
- Inclusion Information : Multiracial Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Faith ( Judaism ) , Friendship
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual references
- Last updated : November 7, 2025
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