Written and directed by Serena Dykman, in the heart of Hasidic Brooklyn, a newly blind Jewish Orthodox baker forms an unlikely friendship with a Queer Catholic Latino guide dog trainer, embarking on an eye-opening journey to overcome personal and cultural barriers in his quest to reopen his beloved bakery. Starring: Saul Rubinek, Jonny Beauchamp, Betsy Aidem, Ronald Guttman and Hani Furstenberg.
Babka jumps in with a stylish and classically New York City opening, making a strong first impression before it settles in for its wholesome, sweet story. Then as the short moves forward, Serena Dykman even more establishes that NYC feel with a good, old-fashioned sense of humour that’s simple and familiar, with a genuinely personal touch. The tone of the writing captures the compassion and understanding that Babka clearly wants to inspire.
It’s a very specific experience, to explore the Orthodox community’s relationship with dogs and yet Dykman isn’t limiting it to that, this is a story about balancing convention and tradition with quality of life. This touching story is exploring how religious beliefs can come with sacrifices, but they shouldn’t be ones that lessen your safety or ability to live your everyday life. Sometimes, people have to adjust and put themselves first, even if that comes with resistance from their community.
Saul Rubinek was a perfect choice to lead the charge with Babka, he has such a stoic and kind presence to really capture the conflict between choosing to help himself or choosing to blindly respect his community’s wishes. He brings a sincere gentleness to Moishe and he’s effortless to watch. He also builds such a wonderful connection with Jonny Beauchamp’s Jesus, it’s heartwarming and supportive. Rubinek alongside Betsy Aidem create that truly old-school marriage, they have a banter and stubbornness that’s adorable to watch.
One of the other great choices that Dykman made was to introduce the supporting characters of Ronald Guttman’s Yehuda and Hani Furstenberg’s Sarah and have them stick around. Often you’ll see these types of characters pop in to add to the plot then they’ll disappear, especially in short film but Dykman makes them a real part of the journey. She gives them the opportunity to show the power of listening and sympathy. That creates a natural and smoothly flowing conversation or even more so a debate. Guttman and Furstenberg also do a great job of communicating the resistance and reluctance to change their minds.
Babka is a very sweet, wholesome and compassionate story. It’s a lovely reminder that those with disabilities or different needs shouldn’t let convention stand in the way of their quality of life. As well as that the community at large should try to have sympathy for that and not to simply be immovable. Serena Dykman captures the NYC feel while also giving it have a family friendly atmosphere, like comedy of the 1990s but with a more meaningful, personal touch. There’s an excellent cast at work and Saul Rubinek was the ideal actor to take on such a kind, loyal character.
FilmCarnage.com 