Watch Strictly Jewish

Strictly Jewish is a 2018 comedy-drama film that follows the story of Rachel, a single, Orthodox Jewish woman living in Brooklyn, New York. The movie is directed and co-written by Jenna Laurenzo, who also stars in the lead role. The film explores the challenges faced by Rachel as she tries to navigate her life in a traditional Jewish community while facing her own personal struggles.

Rachel is a young woman who is struggling to find her place in her religious community. She has always been a good girl, following all the rules and traditions that are expected of her. However, as she approaches her 30s, she is still single and desperately wants to find a husband. This desire is further intensified by the fact that her sister is getting married, which only adds to the pressure she already feels from her family and community.

The film follows Rachel as she embarks on a journey to find a suitable partner. She goes on blind dates set up by family and friends, but she finds it difficult to connect with anyone. Her frustration eventually leads her to join an online dating site, something that is frowned upon in the traditional Jewish community. However, as she delves deeper into the world of online dating, Rachel realizes that there is much more to life than just getting married.

The movie is filled with humorous scenes that showcase the idiosyncrasies of the Orthodox Jewish community. From the quirky habits of her family members to the intense matchmaking sessions, the film offers a unique insight into this tightly-knit community. However, the movie also explores some serious issues such as the pressure to get married and the difficulties faced by those who don't conform to traditional expectations.

One of the standout performances in the movie comes from Rachel's mother, played by Tovah Feldshuh. Her character is the quintessential Jewish mother, constantly fretting about her daughter's single status and doing everything in her power to set her up with suitable men. Feldshuh's performance is both hilarious and endearing, and adds a much-needed touch of warmth to the film.

Despite its humorous moments, Strictly Jewish also offers some powerful emotional scenes. Rachel's struggle to reconcile her own desires with the expectations of her community is a relatable theme that will resonate with many viewers. The film also explores issues such as mental health, addiction, and family dynamics, making it a complex and multi-layered movie.

Overall, Strictly Jewish is a heartwarming and insightful film that offers a unique perspective on the Jewish community. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy character-driven comedies will find much to love in this movie. The film offers a welcome reprieve from the often bleak and serious dramas that dominate the film industry, and is a refreshing reminder of the power of good storytelling.

Strictly Jewish is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes.