The weight of expectations, traditions, and established ways can be difficult to bear, especially when those things prevent us from being genuine or bring unhappiness. This can affect people in numerous ways—emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically, and socially. That’s certainly the case for Benjamin Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman), a forty-something cantor and Bat Mitzvah instructor at a conservative synagogue near New York City. He's going through a crisis of faith after a difficult year that included losing his wife and now threatens to take away his voice and his job. To top it off, he’s moved in with his two well-meaning but overprotective mothers (Caroline Aaron, Dolly De Leon), who constantly try to set him up with potential partners. His boss, Rabbi Bruce (Robert Smigel), has also tried playing matchmaker, attempting to pair Ben with his daughter Gabby (Madeline Weinstein), who is very forward. These efforts only add more stress and push him closer to the edge. Things begin to improve when he unexpectedly meets Carla Kessler (Carol Kane), his quirky retired grade school music teacher. She wants to become one of Ben's Bat Mitzvah students, having been denied that opportunity earlier in her life. He hesitantly agrees to teach her, but soon finds himself learning just as much from her as she does from him—particularly about letting go, being true to yourself, and enjoying life, things others criticize him for when he deviates from the norm. Despite their different perspectives, the connection between Ben and Carla turns out to be exactly what they both need. Writer-director Nathan Silver’s newest film offers a touching, unconventional look at finding fulfillment in both spiritual and everyday ways, especially when dealing with pressures to conform or follow rules. The protagonist's unusual journey takes him—and the audience—down some surprising paths, filled with humor and odd situations. However, there are moments when the filmmaker pushes things too far, incorporating several different storytelling techniques and filming styles that make the movie feel somewhat scattered and confusing. These attempts at originality, while admirable, ultimately detract from a clear storyline, even though they do generate plenty of laughs. Schwartzman and Kane, along with a strong supporting cast, try their best to make the story work, sometimes succeeding and other times falling short. The themes explored here are worthwhile, and the film’s commitment to an unusual approach is certainly praiseworthy; however, it would have been better if the creators had exercised more restraint. That would have resulted in a stronger movie and greater clarity regarding an important life lesson that we could all benefit from.

Source on TMDB