A SUMMER CAMP CRUSH,
A RELIGION DECISION & A FREE BAGEL

A modern Jewish rom-com sprinkled with
neuroses, nostalgia, and plenty of chutzpah

He’s 30 years old and single, without a steady permanent job, so naturally Leo Kadner’s parents push, prod, and pester him about finding a better job and a nice Jewish girl to marry. They’re a long-divorced couple themselves, but united in their concern about their son’s lack of concern about both conditions. Does lackadaisical Leo lack urgency or ambition? In this new movie 31 Candles, Leo is a New York filmmaker, just like the likeable actor who plays him — Jonah Feingold, who also wrote, directed, edited, and produced the film. But Leo’s projects have been commercial, romantic, schmaltzy Christmas movies, not major-studio theatrical releases. (The character’s current yuletide shlock is sponsored by a toothbrush company insisting on product placement, so a toothbrush becomes a key prop in the plot, and an actor has to hold one while delivering a line about being “brushed” off.) Fortunately, 31 Candles is nowhere near as predictable, sentimental, sugary, formulaic, or lame as that kind of drivel with those qualities as its hallmarks. And it has at least 31 laughs.

Leo is actually starting to re-evaluate things when he’s honest with himself or confiding in his supportive, straight-talking grandmother (a solid performance by Caroline Aaron as Lila). He shares some thoughts — and his bed — with Eva Shapiro (Sarah Coffey) in a “safe,” no-strings-attached, non-attachment kind of way, which, being committed to non-commitment, he pointedly refuses to call “a relationship,” branding it a “situationship.” Does he really desire that? 31 Candles makes smart use of the 105-year-old Irving Berlin song “After You Get What You Want You Don’t Want It” playing over the opening titles as foreshadowing, reprised by the female star near the end (Coffey reveals a lovely singing voice in this and traditional Jewish tunes).

Eva was Leo’s well-remembered crush when they were adolescents in summer camp. Running into her again in the present, his interest is sparked anew. She’s an aspiring actress who earns her living preparing youngsters for bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs. Unsure whether the seemingly very self-confident Eva would accept his invitation to get together, the not-very-self-confident Leo asks her to meet with him under the guise of her professional work. He says he never had a bar mitzvah at 13 and really would like to have one as an adult, bemoaning the belated desire. Is it to (A) reclaim his Jewish heritage, (B) please his family, or (C) create an excuse to spend time with Eva, hoping he’ll grow on her as his knowledge of Hebrew and traditions grow? The most likely answer, as you’ve guessed, is (D) “All of the Above.”

In a series of sweetly quirky scenes in apartments, classrooms, a temple, and various outdoor Manhattan locales, including Central Park, the dialogue is full of character — crisp quips, pep talks, frustration, detail, and disarmingly delightful self-deprecation. The sensibility and humor feel — in the best possible way — like they’re in the spiffy neurotic/nerdy comedy lineage of Neil Simon, Woody Allen, and Seinfeld. 31 Candles parades its recognizable Jewish elements with affection without getting too meshuggeneh or indulging heavily in stereotypes. The pace is comfortable — never frantic or glacial — in the numerous Leo/Eva encounters, allowing viewers to wonder if the teacher/student interaction will lead to frustration, friendship, love, a love of learning Hebrew prayers, lust, trust, or just a bar mitzvah with lower expectations on the Upper West Side.

Mr. Feingold and Miss Coffey are both terrific, with good energy and good chemistry as a kind of odd couple (self-conscious nebbishy guy and comfortably casual, non-demure gal). The actress stands a bit over six feet tall, but her character only acknowledges it when introducing herself at auditions. The shorter Leo is more concerned about the height difference, even putting lifts in his shoes. He plans an evening with her that he hopes will qualify as more of a “date,” preparing a somewhat sham Sabbath meal to impress her.

Other impactful, clever, and entertaining bits come from actors in smaller roles. Leo endures dreary, dull scripts with the Christmas-movie crew, and dates that are duds. Stand-up comic/actress Judy Gold is a welcome presence as the rabbi; Lori Tann Chin is a pip as a merchant listening to Leo, offering a willing ear, sympathy, and a free bagel to cheer him up; and there’s fun to be had with Derrick Delgado and Zoe Hoffmann, canny as the kids with whom Leo must awkwardly share Eva’s teaching time — singing and reciting together. (“How OLD are you?” one asks as they come close to examine his face, guessing he’s in his 40s or 50s.)

Surprises abound. (What is Santa Claus doing in the crowd during a scene in the temple?) Don’t place bets on how things will turn out — or when you’re actually at the end. There are a few late scenes that feel like they could be the wrap-up, but, as they say, “Wait! There’s more!” Things do become increasingly more sincere than cavalier, but the veer toward the veneer of sincere is earned. So, everything’s kosher.

stills courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment

31 Candles
Level 33 Entertainment
90 minutes | rom-com | NR TV-14 | 2025 | English | USA
in select theatres November 7, 2025 (NYC) and December 5, 2025 (LA)
also in limited release nationwide
for screenings, visit Fandango