Film is simple and deep but stylistically off

Almost entirely in Yiddish and starring mostly nonactors from the Brooklyn Hasidic community, Menashe is a film which is unique for its subject matter. Nonetheless, it tries to go beyond simple ethnic and religious exoticism. Documentary filmmaker Joshua Z Weinstein makes his fiction feature debut with this film about a father’s custody battle for his son. The end product is heartfelt yet complex, a story which is refreshing in its narrative simplicity and psychological depth, but it is not very well made.

YouTube comedian Menashe Lustig stars as the titular character, a widower who is not ready to re-marry. His son (Reuben Niborski) is sent to live with his uncle’s family, the Ruv stating that the child must be raised in a two-parent home. As the memorial for his wife approaches, Menashe is given the chance to get his son back and prove himself as a good father.

Perpetually unlucky, Menashe tries his best but seems to always fail. Depicted with great sympathy, we see him make honest mistakes which have dire consequences. He ruins hundreds of dollars worth of gefilte fish at his grocery store job and nearly burns down his apartment when attempting to make kugel for the memorial.

Menashe’s story can sometimes seem too banal, but is presented as profound, aided greatly by the naturalistic performances. But with the makings of an easily watchable film, the style of filmmaking presents itself as obnoxiously obtrusive. Weistein shoots the movie like a guerrilla documentary. Every shot is shaky, slipping constantly in and out of focus.

This could potentially be interesting. The camera’s gaze reflects the filmmaker’s outsider status as he shoots like he’s a fly on the wall. While the unrefined style denotes a certain realism this form feels contrived.

Despite what Menashe offers in terms of performance and character, it is evident that Weinstein still has a lot of room to grow stylistically.