Streaming Jewish shows, movies that are worth a look – or not

Here we are, at the peak of summer, and

COVID-19 precautions are still in effect.

In any “normal” year, we’d be beating the heat at beaches, movie theaters, parks and malls. Some of these options remain available in the age of coronavirus, but the nonchalance of years past has been replaced with restrictions and due caution.

These days, many of our best entertainment options can be found at home. We can partake in active entertainment, with things like baking, making art, gardening and video get-togethers with friends and family, or we can be more passive, doing things like lounging in the yard and watching TV.

But, before I give my opinion on what’s good (and bad) in Jewish TV, I’d like to offer another endorsement for video platforms such as Zoom, Google and Skype. In April, Zoom made it possible for my family to enjoy a Passover seder together, even though we were scattered across multiple states. Last month, we reunited for a bris-by-Zoom. (Thankfully, there were no close-ups!)

I mentioned in an article in July that I’d been enjoying video get-togethers with some of my dearest friends. Those continue to happen more-or-less weekly, bringing us even closer together than we were pre-COVID-19. I encourage readers to try something similar to ease feelings of isolation – reach out online to friends and family members you haven’t seen in a while and share some laughs, reminisce, play a game, whatever.

I also previously mentioned my introvert tendencies. So, when I don’t want to connect with anyone, what do I do? I watch TV, of course! There’s no end to the Jewish-themed viewing options available on Netflix and Prime Video. Here are my picks and pans for August:

Dough (Prime): Let’s take a look at this sweet film, set in London, that features veteran actor Jonathan Pryce as Nat Dayan, a Kosher baker beset by low sales and corporate pressure to sell his bakery. When Nat’s new apprentice, Darfur refugee Ayyash (Jerome Holder), accidentally spills marijuana into the dough mixer (unbeknownst to Nat), sales start to go through the roof. Unfortunately, this attracts the attention of both a drug kingpin and a real-estate developer, and complications ensue. “Dough” is ultimately a by-the-numbers film with no real surprises, but it’s well-acted and will make you laugh. Good for a night of easy viewing.

Re-Emerging: The Jews of Nigeria (Prime): Judaism is thriving in West Africa, as shown in this documentary and in “Doing Jewish: A Story From Ghana,” which I wrote about in our May edition. Both films highlight established and nascent African Jewish communities, but while Gabrielle Zilkha was a central figure in her “Doing Jewish,” “Re-Emerging” filmmaker Jeff L. Lieberman takes a backseat to the story, which viewers are guided through by the charming Shmuel Tikvah ben Yaacov (born Samuel Chukwuma). By putting Shmuel front and center, Lieberman allows for a fuller, more natural telling of the Igbo people’s possible Jewish roots, and of Nigeria’s roughly 3,000 observant Igbo Jews and the challenges they face in becoming recognized by the larger Jewish community. Definitely worth a watch.

The Kominsky Method (Netflix): I’m so used to seeing younger actors on TV that I was initially thrown off-guard by this series, which is refreshingly centered on older actors. “Kominsky” follows acting coach Sandy Kominsky (Michael Douglas, 75) and his best friend, Hollywood agent Norman Newlander (Alan Arkin, 86), as they navigate later-life challenges of family, health, romance, virility and more. Despite dealing with these “serious” topics, the show is rife with sharp, laugh-out-loud humor.

It’s a treat to watch Douglas and Arkin bicker as only old friends can, and they do so with a distinctly Jewish flavor. The supporting cast is fantastic as well, and the show features performances by Jane Seymour, Danny DeVito and an almost-unrecognizable Paul Reiser, among others. Watch it; you’ll like it.

The Spy (Netflix): This six-part series tells the story of how from 1960 to 1965, Mossad spy Eli Cohen, posing as Arab businessman Kamel Amin Thaabet, infiltrated the highest levels of the Syrian government. The story is tensely written and plotted, with solid cinematography and compelling acting, especially from lead Sacha Baron Cohen. As Eli, Cohen (no relation) turns in a compelling, emotional performance that shows some real acting chops, especially when contrasted with the Bruno/Borat buffoonery that made him famous. Give this one a try.

To Each, Her Own (Netflix): The trailer for this subtitled French film made me think it was a laugh-out-loud farce. I was wrong; instead, it is an utterly baffling, unfunny story with cardboard characters and no sense of direction, sprinkled with hints of homophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

The film follows Parisian bank executive Simone Benloulou’s (played by Sarah Stern) journey of self-discovery(?) as she tries to come out as lesbian to her Conservative Jewish family. Things become complicated when Simone cheats on her fiancée, Claire (Julia Piaton), with Wali (Jean-Christophe Folly), a Senegalese Muslim chef. There’s nothing that really ties the movie together, and the final scene is particularly confounding. I’m angry that I gave this movie 95 minutes of my life. Pass.

Note: Due to sexual content, “To Each, Her Own” is not appropriate for all audiences.

Disobedience (Prime): In sharp contrast to “To Each, Her Own,” this superbly-acted film presents a nuanced and sensitive look at queer Jewish identity. The story focuses on Ronit Krushka (portrayed by Rachel Weisz) as she returns to London for the funeral of her estranged father, an esteemed Orthodox rabbi. During shivah, Ronit reconnects with childhood friends Esti and Dovid (Rachel MacAdams and Alessandro Nivola), who are now married to each other. The reunion rekindles feelings between Ronit and Esti, causing a crisis that drags Dovid along as collateral damage. The actors’ nonverbal performances are exquisite, and make the film shine. Thumbs up.

Note: Due to sexual content, “Disobedience” is not appropriate for all audiences.

MICHAEL SCHEMAILLE (mschemaille@jewishallianceri.org) writes for Jewish Rhode Island and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.