NewFest Film Festival: Day 5

This is me reviewing the films I've seen at this year's NewFest LGBTQ Film Festival. Click here for my other reviews of the festival.

It wasn't planned, but yesterday I ended up seeing two films starring Rachel Sennott which takes place in the aftermath of a Jewish funeral as she tries to deal with complicated romantic feelings from a girl friend and get the attention of a guy she has a crush on. Yeah, it's a niche!

TAHARA (dir. Olivia Peace)

Forcing teenagers into a room to deal with their feelings is always going to be a recipe for drama and in TAHARA it's that and more especially when it's to talk about their grief about their classmate committing suicide under the lens of their Jewish faith. Madeline Grey DeFreece and Rachel Sennott play best friends Carrie and Hannah. Carrie is going through various existential questions and crises which Hannah doesn't notice due to her own problems and inherent self-centeredness. There's a lot to like here from writer Jess Zeidman's uncanny ability to write authentic teenagers to the cool use of the square aspect ratio. DeFreece, Sennott and really the rest of young cast are on point, but it feels slightly undercooked and unfinished with a lot of ideas thrown and not developed enough.

SHIVA BABY (dir. Emma Seligman)

When you're obligated to go to a shiva and you don't even know who died, you know it's not going to be your kind of day. That's what Danielle finds out in this hilarious cringe comedy where literally everything feels like it's acting against her. Rachel Sennott as Danielle brings a different kind of jaded energy in this role that feels believably lived-in especially as she navigates disappointed parents, surprise exes, people trying to constantly feed her, and a very loud baby. She's amply supported by a sterling cast which includes Polly Draper, Fred Melamed, Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, and Jackie Hoffman. SHIVA BABY also does some cool things with music and lighting which gives the movie a horror tinge, an unexpected but pleasant surprise.

SHORTS: EVERY BODY + BOOTY!

This short film program focused on body positivity and body love. All of the films here have great style and a few really went for experimentation, but some just didn't vibe with me. There were a few films that didn't vibe with me, but thankfully there were a couple of gems like MES CHÉRIS and DOWN DOG. The first featured trans sex worker Bat Boi who, in preparation for his top surgery, creates a loving tribute to his boobs via porn. The second is a beautiful film featuring yoga instructor Tammy and her quiet journey of disclosure.

The only other film I'd like to single out is TOOMAS BENEATH THE VALLEY OF THE WILD WOLVES, because I can't believe it exists.  It's an animated film with animals sexing it up. It's actually entertaining if a bit wild. Its ending was my favorite.

There's still plenty to watch. Stay tuned for more!