Directed by Emily Lerer and written by leading actress Elyssa Nicole Trust, after a deep loss and academic expulsion, a hard partying-secular Jew, Gabby, finds healing and meaning in Judaism, embracing it fully as a Ba’alat Teshuvah. Also starring: Carol Brooks, Geoffrey Greene, Lauren Schaffel, David Garelik, Liz Samuel, Tyler Herman and Jenna Harwood.
It feels very relevant to explore how people perceive strict religious behaviour, as it is something in today’s world that’s quickly judged. Parts of it that falls into deeply misogynistic territory are judged quite rightly but there’s plenty outside of that, and Elyssa Nicole Trust demonstrates that taking the time to learn the traditions and value can be a meaningful experience. Observance follows Gabby (Trust), who may be forced into this new education, and is not one geared towards patience, but gradually opens up to that great lesson of the importance of asking questions and taking the time to see someone else’s perspective.
That in itself, her being a brash, out-going, unfiltered young woman, finding herself pushed into such a traditional world, is more than enough to explore. Therein lies the problem that Observance is also trying to tackle grief and relationships, and it feels like too much to do justice to all of them. Especially as the tone of the comedically tinged side of things feels much stronger, it can struggle to build a sincerity in its emotional scenes. Part of the problem is that the introduction to this story feels like a strange choice, it wanders into slightly niche, sexual territory that doesn’t make a strong first impression, to connect the audience with Gabby.
Granted, Observance is intended to be expanded into an entire series so a lot of that can be addressed but it feels like slowing itself down slightly and bringing each of these themes through at natural intervals might allow them to hit harder. Although Emily Lerer’s direction does a great job of blending them together, the visual holds a good presence and intimacy. It nicely walks the line of feeling everyday and having a sense of humour but holding onto that weight of the larger issues in the story. There’s a good clarity to the aesthetic and it moves well to keep a strong pacing.
Elyssa Nicole Trust gives an interesting performance in the lead, creating the type of character who you don’t quite know how to feel about at first but who evolves as time goes on. She does well to bring a relatability and individuality to Gabby, she’s got a strong persona, one that can even be abrasive at times but she’s never dislikable. It’s surprisingly satisfying to watch her change through Observance. There’s a solid supporting cast behind her, particularly Lauren Schaffel, who perfectly taps into that conservative and traditional personality, while being a touch quirky. As well as Carol Brooks as Gabby’s mother who does a lot to the emotional side of Observance and adds a good note of vulnerability.
Observance taps into the balance of modern religion and how judgement is found often but few take the time to listen. The religious aspect doesn’t feel overwhelming which helps to keep things feeling grounded and accessible. Elyssa Nicole Trust brings a strong personality to the table, one with layers to be unpacked and emotions to be processed. It has a good foundation, it’s enjoyable to watch, it simply feels like it might be trying to handle too many topics, too fast. If things slowed down a little to organically flow through each subject, it might hold a bit more resonance to its emotions.
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