Watch Minyan

Minyan is a dramatic movie, released in 2020 and directed by Eric Steel. The movie is based on a short story by David Bezmozgis, and it explores the themes of identity, sexuality, and generational differences. Minyan follows the story of David (Samuel H. Levine), a young Jewish man who moves from his home in Brighton Beach to live with his grandparents in Brooklyn's Hasidic community. David is struggling with his sexuality and his place in the world, but his grandfather (Ron Rifkin) brings him to the local synagogue, hoping that he will find solace and community there.

The story takes place in the 1980s, and David's grandparents are Holocaust survivors. They have a tight-knit community of friends, and they observe a strict religious lifestyle that David finds both comforting and at odds with his own identity. However, David's grandfather is determined to pass on his traditions to David, hoping that he will continue their legacy and their faith.

At the synagogue, David meets a group of men, including a Holocaust survivor named Yakov (Christopher McCann), and they form an unlikely bond. The men are not like the other members of their community, and they are struggling to reconcile their faith with their experiences of pain and suffering. David is drawn to them because they are outsiders, like him, and they offer him a way to explore his identity without fear of judgment.

As the story progresses, David's relationship with his grandfather becomes strained. He feels like he cannot reveal his true self to his family, and he begins to push back against the strict rules and traditions that he is expected to uphold. Moreover, David begins to feel closer to Yakov, who becomes a mentor figure to him. Yakov teaches David about art, literature, and music, and he helps him come to terms with his identity.

Overall, Minyan is a movie about family, faith, and coming of age. It's a poignant exploration of the ways in which we navigate our relationships with those closest to us, and how we try to find our way in a world that often feels hostile and unwelcoming. The movie is beautifully shot and features a cast of talented actors who deliver powerful performances. Samuel H. Levine, in particular, shines in the lead role, effortlessly conveying the internal struggles and conflicted emotions of his character.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Minyan is the way that it manages to depict the Hasidic community without resorting to stereotypes or caricatures. While the film certainly portrays some of the challenges and difficulties faced by its members, it also acknowledges their rich culture and traditions. The movie is not about condemning or mocking the Hasidic faith but rather about exploring the complex relationship between self-discovery and religious identity.

In conclusion, Minyan is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant movie that will stay with you long after you've watched it. It's a tender and haunting exploration of faith, family, and identity, and it's a movie that will speak to anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. With its moving performances, beautiful cinematography, and nuanced storytelling, Minyan is a must-see for anyone who loves powerful and intelligent cinema.

Minyan is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 68.