As a seasoned film critic with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre. But nothing quite prepared me for the whirlwind that is “Between the Temples.”
2024 sees a surge in mainstream romantic comedies featuring mature women as the main characters, often paired with younger men. This year alone, films like “The Idea of You”, “A Family Affair”, “Last Summer”, and “Between the Temples” have portrayed this trend, with many more on the horizon such as “Lonely Planet” starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, and erotic thrillers like “I Want Your Sex” featuring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman, and “Babygirl” with Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. This trend of older women finding love in younger men shows no signs of slowing down.
Historically, the role of a MILF (Mature Intriguing Lady Friend) in films has been more about being portrayed as an object rather than the central character. When she was the subject, it was often within a serious or dramatic context, or she faced punishment for her defiance of societal age norms. For instance, classic movies featuring MILF characters include “All that Heaven Allows” (MILF as outcast), “The Graduate” (MILF as catalyst for crisis), “American Pie” (MILF as comedic relief), “Birth” (exploring complex MILF dynamics), and “May December” (MILF as revolutionary or controversial figure). In the 1980s, films like “Class,” “White Palace,” and “Scene of the Crime” popularized the MILF stereotype, while “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” from 1998 featured a more empowered MILF character. Although “Adore,” released in 2013, was initially met with criticism, it paved the way for the more casual and contemporary portrayals of MILF characters we see today on Silver Lake streets, casually walking with an iced coffee.
Why this sudden change from dramatic to romantic comedies for MILFs? Are these films merely capitalizing on the concept of Feminism by challenging the traditional trope of older men with younger women, as they claim, or are they inadvertently reinforcing stereotypes by implying that a woman dating below her age group is unconventional, or that a 40-plus female character who embraces her sexuality must grapple with self-doubt about her attractiveness? Could it be that we’re running out of new talent and are resorting to casting Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman in everything? Or perhaps we’re collectively seeking solace and turning to comforting, Freudian sexual scenarios due to a societal void left by failing institutions and safety nets? Is there something in the water or the financial market projections that’s influencing this trend? Is Drew Barrymore’s nickname for Kamala Harris playing a role here? Does Miranda July have a hand in it too? And what about your mother’s influence on these films?
Instead of trying to determine the reasons behind it, let’s focus on describing the characteristics of a contemporary MILF film: What are its typical elements, its recurring themes, and what message is being conveyed? What aspects attract us, while others feel unauthentic? Why do these movies often feature thin, white, wealthy mothers dating younger men with ties to their children? Why do they frequently show women looking wistfully into mirrors while wearing loose clothing? Does the portrayal in these films of people still valuing an older woman dating a younger man mirror our actual social dynamics? How does an independent MILF film differ from its mainstream counterpart, and why is the French version particularly peculiar?
The Urtext New MILF Rom-Com
The Idea of You
In a film directed by Michael Showalter, Anne Hathaway plays the protagonist who embarks on a courageous journey of loving a well-known member of a popular boy band, amidst the scrutiny of an astute teenager and in the context of society’s watchful eye, which is reminiscent of a surveillance state, scheduled for release in 2024.
Who is the MILF? Solène, a 40-year-old divorcee who lives in Silver Lake and has thick bangs.
Is she white? Yes.
Is it accurate to say that she is wealthy? Indeed, she is wealthy; however, her home has more dark wooden accents rather than bright white interiors, and she drives a Subaru, which might give the impression that she is less affluent compared to her former spouse.
Is her wardrobe high-end, does she maintain a healthy hairstyle, possess a stereotypical Hollywood figure, appear timelessly youthful, and exude an air of effortless affluence without obvious signs of hardship? If so, one could say she embodies the style and demeanor of Anne Hathaway.
To be honest, her home has an aesthetically pleasing L.A. Craftsman charm that many would envy, yet for some reason, hearing about it leaves me with a strange sense of melancholy. She adores it, but she mentions early on that her former wealthy partner dismissively referred to it as their “starter house.”
Is there an underlying impression that she appears conservative or restrained in her nature? Perhaps she seems more inclined towards quieter events rather than festivals like Coachella, but her long hair gives off a certain bohemian vibe.
It’s been some time since she last had a romantic relationship, as her ex-husband was unfaithful to her several years ago.
Tracy, portrayed by Annie Mumolo, is the one who encourages her friend to socialize, suggesting they should go out and enjoy themselves.
Solène, the art gallery owner, seems deeply committed to her career and often appears single. Her gallery is frequently described as an “inclusive space,” although its practical implications remain unclear. Upon first encounter, she’s seen embarking on a solo camping trip to reflect upon the past two decades of her life.
In spite of the common indicators of success, one might wonder if she feels deeply unsatisfied, as she muses to Tracy: “What if all I really need is [my daughter], my art, my gallery, and my friends?” However, Tracy appears skeptical during their initial encounter in the film.
Is it possible that her former husband is less than ideal, given his past actions? He was unfaithful, abandoned Solène, and married his mistress. In the opening scenes of the film, he appears wearing dog tags and a suede jacket, inviting Solène to play pickleball with him and his new spouse. Soon after, he reneges on a plan to take their child to Coachella due to a merger, causing Solène to cancel her camping trip and chaperone a group of teenagers at a music festival aimed at misguided millennials. Later, he berates Solène for dating a younger person despite his own history of doing the same, with both Solène and the film’s characters emphasizing this inconsistency.
At her 40th birthday party, she seemed rather disappointed by the ordinary conversations she had with some of the men around her age. This left her feeling disheartened.
Who is her one child? Izzy, a 16-year-old with equally great hair.
Is it possible that their relationship leans towards codependency, with Solène putting aside most of her own needs due to feelings of misplaced guilt? Indeed, at first glance, Solène appears to be a modern and caring mother, expressing phrases such as “Have a blast; good foolish, not foolish foolish” when sending her daughter to Coachella. Izzy, on the other hand, seems mature and considerate, often showing concern for her mother’s well-being. Initially, they seem like close friends and equals, sharing a strong bond; however, one might wonder what potential complications could arise in their relationship?
Is Hayes Campbell, who’s 10 years junior to her, the one she has romantic feelings for? He’s the frontman of a popular boy band named August Moon.
Is he also white? Yes.
Does Solène happen upon Hayes’s trailer unintentionally during Coachella, where she mistakenly uses it as a restroom, leading her to later claim that he has an unusual interest in urinals?
Is Solène seemingly indifferent towards him, yet this aloofness intrigues him greatly? Hayes yearns to be teased by someone genuine instead of constantly being idolized by young admirers, as it feeds his emotional dominance fetish.
Is he excessively handsome and charismatic in a manner that could cause an older woman to dismiss him as a potential suitor, partly because of her distrust towards men and partly because she may feel undervalued due to being over the age of 25?
Instead of subtly irritating her, it seems like he manages to strike a chord within her. To begin with, he genuinely appreciates her by showing interest in her art gallery, then proceeds to delve into his own secretive emotions and disillusionment. In the movie’s context, it may be unclear whether we are meant to consider the artwork as impressive or her taste questionable. He confesses that he has grown tired of being a boy band member and yearns for a career in songwriting, creating genuine music. Additionally, he shares his struggles with both paternal and trust issues.
Does the mysterious allure of these hidden aspects make the woman with trust issues question deeply rooted beliefs about dating a man younger than herself – or, to put it another way, any man who could potentially disrupt the fragile emotional balance she believes she’s attained at great personal sacrifice, which is essentially fear-based self-protection due to societal and cinematic messages that she’s too old to be considered attractive or truly lovable, even though she clearly is?
Does the character from MILF perform domestic actions that suggest maternal care towards her romantic interest? Yes, she prepares a sandwich for him while wearing an apron at her home. Before their kiss, he leans into her chest affectionately.
In that scene, I’m pretty sure she tells him, “You know, I might just be your mother,” after their sweet kiss, hinting at an age gap.
Instead of directly asking, “Does she say, ‘I can’t do this'”, a more expressive way could be: “Is it true that she expresses herself as saying, ‘Because you’re you, and I’m me, and we just don’t fit,’ implying she can’t do something together?”
Do they do it anyway? Of course.
Is the weather warm today? Indeed, Anne and Nicholas Galitzine share a palpable connection, making their scenes quite enjoyable. It’s refreshing to observe a female character experiencing an intimate moment.
However, is there some complicated connection between the offspring and the love interest that makes this situation rather tricky and problematic? Despite Izzy having grown out of it as a high-schooler, she still views Hayes as a nostalgic figure from her childhood rather than someone who could potentially engage in a relationship with her mother.
Does a heartwarming montage featuring the two characters traveling across Europe during Hayes’s world tour, accompanied by one of August Moon’s contemporary pop tracks, occur at some point?
It seems that Solene, on occasion, experiences intense pleasure through orgasms, which is wonderful for her, and there was an instance where she spontaneously danced exuberantly in a hotel room to a tune by Wang Chung. Could this be an indication of her extraordinary happiness?
However, does he express greater enthusiasm about it compared to her? He shares with her that he’s “happy for the first time in his life” in Europe, while he typically feels “numb.”
Is there a young woman who, in college as she claims, dismissively comments something snide to Solène, causing Solène to feel upset and spiraling? This woman tells Solène that when Hayes dedicated a song to her at Coachella, it was just a regular move by the band for anyone they find attractive. Solène responds angrily, calling Hayes a “manipulator,” and decides to leave the world tour.
It appears that instead of selecting a swimsuit she enjoys for a pool day with her younger companions, she opts for a voluminous, ankle-length denim dress and a scarf, seemingly showing a hint of self-doubt and dissatisfaction as she gazes upon herself in the mirror.
It seems that many people around her are critical of their relationship, primarily because he’s younger than she is. This can be seen in various headlines like “Mommy Issues” and “Her??” on publications such as People and TMZ. An Instagram comment even questioned her actions, saying something like “aren’t you somebody’s mother? act like it!”. However, it’s worth noting that despite the internet’s sometimes misogynistic nature, there is a reality where Cher is dating someone 37 years old, and even the Daily Mail, known for its sensationalism, has been relatively understanding about it.
Initially, Izzy is upset when she finds out that Solène kept their relationship a secret from her. However, she later shows understanding as her mother breaks societal norms. She even inquires, “Is he a feminist?” To which Solène responds with tears. Nevertheless, in the reality of school life, the topic of feminism is forgotten due to bullying towards Izzy. This bullying causes such distress that it disrupts Hayes and Solene’s relationship for a full five years, as Solene chooses to abstain from relationships while Izzy is in college for an unexplained reason.
Is it often noted that such an incident wouldn’t occur if the roles of the main characters were switched between genders?
In the film’s conclusion, following Izzy’s college graduation and approaching Hayes’ 30th birthday, they reconnect unexpectedly, and everything works out smoothly between them.
In essence, what does the concept of “you” represent in this context? Solène doesn’t truly care about August Moon or Hayes, nor did she have a preconceived notion of either one. At a certain point in the movie, Solène claims to have fallen for “the idea of you,” but that’s not entirely accurate because Solène didn’t hold an image of him until she urinated in his trailer, and even then, her perception of him was far from appealing until they interacted in real life. Conversely, Hayes never had a pre-existing notion of Solène as he lacked a framework for a 40-year-old Silver Lake art-gallery owner with trust issues and a hairstyle featuring bangs.
The Netflix Rom-Com Version
A Family Affair
As a cinephile, I found myself drawn into the captivating world of Netflix’s newest endeavor, where romance seems to have been redefined. In this intriguing tale, it was I who witnessed Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron sharing yet another on-screen connection (once more). Despite the fact that their relationship could potentially stir up a whirlwind of workplace complications, given he is my daughter’s superior, they somehow managed to create an enchanting narrative that leaves one questioning if this is indeed how romantic comedies have always felt.
Is Brooke Harwood the character you’re referring to? She is a 50-something widow with a blonde wig who can often be found on a spacious deck overlooking the ocean, seeking purpose, in a manner reminiscent of characters from “Big Little Lies”.
Is she white? Yes.
Is she wealthy enough to afford a spacious balcony overlooking the sea? (As portrayed in Big Little Lies)
Is her wardrobe extravagant, does she have healthy hair, does she embody a certain Hollywood ideal of slimness, does her face appear timeless, and does she exude an air of someone who has not faced many hardships? If so, then she bears a striking resemblance to Nicole Kidman.
Is her house aesthetically pleasing, yet somehow devoid of warmth and authenticity, leaving you with an unexplained sense of melancholy? It seems more like a Nancy Meyers set that accidentally burned down and was quickly rebuilt for a Netflix show.
Does her attire suggest that she is trying to come off as modest or subdued, perhaps even a bit reserved?
It’s been quite some time, perhaps decades, since she last had an intimate relationship with a man, given that her spouse passed away.
Does her ex-mother-in-law and editor, Kathy Bates, encourage her to socialize more and take risks, suggesting that she should experience new romantic relationships? Yes, this is a more polite and indirect way of expressing the original sentence while maintaining its essence.
Is it possible that she is a highly accomplished professional, particularly an acclaimed writer, who immerses herself deeply in her work, including occasional contributions to fashion magazines like Vogue, as a means to channel her energy and creativity, rather than pursuing romantic relationships?
“Is she feeling profoundly unsatisfied, despite the usual indicators of success?” (paraphrased)
Is it possible that her first husband had some negative qualities? Despite her efforts to portray Charlie (deceased) as a noble figure, it’s worth noting that he was a writer, albeit not particularly successful. Additionally, their marriage was on the verge of ending due to an impending divorce before his passing from cancer.
Do men her age suck? They are not even mentioned as an option for Brooke, so, yes.
Who is her one child? Zara, a grating, self-involved 20-something played by Joey King.
Is there a situation where Zara’s mother often puts her needs aside, seemingly due to guilt, and in turn, seems to have a codependent relationship with her? Yes, it appears that Zara resides with her mother in their beachside mansion, consumes the food prepared for them, occasionally expresses discontent (“Could you prepare spaghetti and garlic bread instead of this bean dish?”), borrows her mother’s Vogue clothes for friends, and criticizes Brooke for living a full life.
Is the character Zac Efron’s Chris Cole her love interest, and does he happen to be around a decade younger than her? In certain scenes, he is portrayed as an exaggerated version of a well-known figure known for mistreating his assistant (in this case, Zara), while in others, he appears as a misunderstood individual who mistreats his assistant due to insecurities.
Is he also white? Yes.
In their chance encounter, Zara finds herself at Chris’s unlawful intrusion into a house where Brooke is tidying up in an oversized Blondie T-shirt. A close call with a decorative item, they both end up having a boozy night and developing mutual feelings.
Is she unaffected by him, which he finds surprisingly appealing? Instead of asking if she recognizes Margot Robbie because they’re both Australian, he inquires. She replies negatively, to which he responds affirmatively. He has seen the movie Adore, but it doesn’t seem like anyone else asks her about it.
Is he excessively attractive and charismatic, causing older women to dismiss him romantically because they are skeptical of men and have low self-esteem, partially due to his age? This guy seems to flirt in a way that might make her think he’s too much like Zac Efron, which she finds appealing but ultimately leads to her rejection.
However, does he eventually touch her deeply by initially giving her sincere attention, then showing hidden layers of himself and expressing general dissatisfaction? For instance, he questions her about her writing authenticity just minutes after their encounter, then ponders over his career aspirations, stating that he desires more from his artistic journey than shallow superhero roles or a boyband-esque path to film stardom. At the five-minute mark, they find common ground when he shares the loss of his brother. Later on, Brooke tells Zara, “It seems there’s something deeper about him.”
Couldn’t help but wonder if those hidden insecurities make the woman, who struggles with trust and has a history of relationship issues, reconsider her firm beliefs about dating younger men – or any man at all, who might upset the fragile emotional balance she believes she has attained after much personal struggle, which is essentially just fear of being vulnerable due to societal and film portrayals suggesting she’s too old to be attractive and truly loved, even though she clearly is both?
Does the MILF perform actions that are maternal-themed towards her love interest? She fetches him snacks, mixes him drinks (cool mom), offers suggestions on his poor writing, and gives him metaphorical guidance using ship and island analogies about life.
Does she actually say “I’m too old for you”? Not explicitly.
Does she actually say, “I can’t do this”? Over and over again, because “he is a movie star.”
Do they do it anyway? Of course.
Let me express my admiration for the duo: to answer your question, not at all. The heat they generated was far greater when, as portrayed in “The Paperboy,” Nicole showed a moment of intense connection by watering down Zac.
Is there a complicated connection between the offspring and love interest that makes this situation difficult and problematic? Yes, at first Zara works as Chris’s assistant, but after he dismisses her, they become adversaries. Later, when she discovers him in a romantic relationship with her mother, it seems as if she has been shocked.
Is there a montage sequence in the film, taking place on a modern-day New York movie set at a studio, accompanied by a recently released pop tune, showcasing their blossoming love?
In an unusual turn of events, I find myself doing something completely uncharacteristic – ripping off my Nordstrom wrap dress and donning a top hat. This unexpected behavior suggests a level of happiness in my life that I’ve rarely, if ever, experienced before.
However, does he seem to express his enthusiasm more passionately than she does? He says he’s been “longing for you forever,” but he does acknowledge that this is a scripted phrase. Yet, he insists that he truly means it now.
Is there a young woman who speaks rudely and causes distress to our mature mother character throughout the entire film, which is her own flesh and blood daughter?
In her attempt to dress up for her first date with Chris, she hesitates, seemingly displeased with herself, and ends up choosing an outfit that doesn’t quite suit her taste, due to feeling somewhat self-conscious about her age, momentarily opting for more conservative clothing instead of what she truly desires.
As a movie buff, I find that it’s not everyone around her who disapproves, but primarily my nosy, narrow-minded daughter, solely because of the age gap between them.
Is the offspring extremely agitated upon discovering about their crush’s affections? She throws repeated, immature temper tantrums throughout the film, with the final one ultimately causing them to part ways.
Is it not brought up that this scenario wouldn’t unfold if the characters’ genders were switched instead? Remarkably, Netflix didn’t seize the opportunity to delve into that apparent inconsistency more deeply. Perhaps, perspectives and biases can evolve over time.
In simpler terms, Kathy Bates encourages Zara to mature up or at least pretend to be so. They then celebrate a cozy, cheesy Netflix-style Christmas together, despite the set’s artificial snow and typical “cabin in the woods” decor. However, Zara initially struggles and attempts to ruin their relationship once more. Eventually, she manages to grow up and they all live contentedly ever after (with Zara securing a job at CAA).
“In essence, what do you mean by ‘it’s a family matter’?” However, it’s important to clarify that this title doesn’t imply an incestuous relationship among the family members, as such a scenario would significantly alter the storyline and make for a more intriguing interpretation of this movie.
The Psychosexual French Version
Last Summer
Instead of the French simply sticking to ordinary movie genres, they often add an unexpected twist. For instance, their take on the MILF romantic comedy is “A Seductive Erotic Drama” by Catherine Breillat titled “Anatomie de l’Enfant-Couple,” which revolves around a woman engaging in a sexual relationship with her teenage stepson after he moves in with her and her husband. This film, as typical of French cinema, pushes boundaries and challenges conventional norms.
Who is the MILF? Anne, a late-40s/early-50s mother of twins with a sharp blonde bob.
Is she white? Yes.
Is she rich? “Why didn’t Daddy take you riding?” rich. Two homes, one of which is a chalet, rich.
Does she possess an upscale clothing collection, maintain healthy-looking hair, embody a particular slimness associated with Hollywood, appear timelessly youthful, and exude an air of someone who has not faced significant hardships? Indeed.
Is her house charmingly picturesque in a way that feels like it belongs on Instagram, yet somehow leaves you feeling melancholic? Not at all. Her house exudes a distinctly French countryside beauty instead.
Is she coming across as somewhat modest and reserved?
It seems like it’s been some time since she last experienced sexual satisfaction, as her thoughts often stray towards a 33-year-old man she had feelings for at the age of 14, frequently imagining him as an “imagined pre-corpse,” despite being married to Pierre and engaging in sexual activities with him.
Anne’s sister, being her closest confidante, often encourges Anne to socialize more and live a little, as she believes Anne needs some excitement in her otherwise luxurious but tranquil lifestyle.
Is Anne a highly accomplished attorney specializing in defending sexual assault victims, possibly finding fulfillment and distraction from romantic entanglements through her career?
Even though she appears successful by conventional standards, does she feel profoundly unsatisfied? It seems so, as she frequently consumes wine during the day and exhibits self-destructive behaviors. In a particular scene, she discusses what she calls her “vertigo theory” — not a fear of heights, but a fear of the impulse to lose control, leading her to make decisions that could be damaging (such as sleeping with her stepson).
Is Pierre, her original spouse, somewhat unsavory or unpleasant in character? He may be affluent and tolerant, but his behavior becomes poor when he’s pushed to the limit (the trigger being that she has involved his teenage son in this way).
Do men her age suck? They’re boring and clueless, but she is the problem here, low-key.
Who is her single adopted or stepchild? She has two beautiful twin daughters through adoption, but she only has one biological or stepson who plays the dual role of problematic co-dependent child and younger romantic interest in the French adaptation of this movie plotline.
Is it possible that their relationship is characterized by codependency, with the older woman often putting aside her own needs due to feelings of unjustified guilt?
Is Theo, the young man who got into trouble for punching his teacher and now spends his time gaming and watching videos, her love interest? And might he be about a decade younger than her?
Is he also white? Yes.
Could it be that they cross paths unintentionally within a context where one character is found intruding on private property?
She appears indifferent towards him, yet this cool demeanor seems intriguingly attractive to him.
She finds him too charismatic and good-looking, which makes her quickly dismiss the idea of pursuing a romantic relationship with him, possibly due to a distrust of men and low self-esteem that may stem from feeling older than 25. However, it’s important to note that this is just one possible interpretation, as people’s motivations can be complex. In this revised version, I aimed to simplify the original sentence while preserving its essential meaning.
However, it’s not necessarily his actions that affect her; rather, it’s primarily his attentiveness and the unveiling of his hidden layers, along with a sense of disillusionment, that get under her skin. But in a more casual rephrasing, you could say: It’s not just what he does, but his genuine care, hidden complexities, and hints of disenchantment that make an impact on her. In simpler terms, it’s the way he pays attention to her and reveals parts of himself that matter more than anything else, such as being shirtless.
Do those secret depths force the MILF, who also has trust issues, to re-examine strongly held beliefs about dating a younger man — or, to be more specific, any man at all, who might threaten the tenuous emotional equilibrium she has convinced herself she’s finally achieved at great personal cost, which is actually just self-protective fear about being vulnerable because society (but also this film) has told her she is too old to be considered hot and/or truly lovable, despite the fact that she is plainly hot and lovable? No, this one is just sort of your standard Oedipal fuckshow.
Does the MILF do something maternal-coded for her love interest? Yes, because she is his stepmom.
Does she actually say “I’m too old for you”? This is hardly the biggest problem they face.
Does she actually say, “I can’t do this”? She says, “Théo, we must never do this again.”
Do they do it (again) anyway? Yeah.
Are you feeling warm? It serves its intended purpose of being intriguingly disturbing in concept, yet at the same time hints subtly that Anne may be experiencing a lack of sexual satisfaction.
As a film enthusiast, I find myself questioning if there’s a complicated connection between the characters that makes the plot quite challenging to navigate? It seems they might share a complex relationship, which adds an intriguing yet troublesome twist to the storyline.
Is there a heartwarming sequence showing their blossoming romance accompanied by a modern pop tune playing in the background during that time?
Has the woman ever appeared as joyful or content as she is now, a feeling suggested by her behaving uncharacteristically and experiencing intense pleasure, perhaps even multiple orgasms?
Is he more verbally invested in the situation than she is? In that case, he persists in continuing it, even resorting to intimidation or threats towards her.
Is there a young lady who addresses Theo’s girlfriend as “ma’am,” causing Anne to feel excluded and upset?
In this case, is it not true that the woman, instead of expressing dissatisfaction, chooses an outfit that she isn’t fond of after looking at herself in the mirror, feeling somewhat constrained by her age to wear what she truly desires?
Most of the people surrounding her tend to disapprove not just because he’s younger, but primarily due to another, more substantial reason.
Is the offspring equally distressed upon discovering about the love interest? (or) Does the offspring share the same level of distress when learning about the love interest?
Is there no mention of the fact that this scenario might appear more commonplace if the characters’ roles were switched, but it would arguably be more expected in a French film, indicating its progressive nature.
How do they manage to find a solution for the complex issue known as the “unconventional mother” dilemma and eventually make things function smoothly? Despite him betraying her and her lying under oath, they carry on with their lives, in a manner reminiscent of the French.
As a cinephile, I’ve been pondering – what exactly does “Last Summer” signify? It seems that the story unfolds during that season, but there’s an underlying implication. It could be the last time this character experiences summer in the literal sense, or perhaps it symbolizes the end of a chapter in their life, as they say, “I never did fuck my stepson.”
The Indie Rom-Com Version
Between the Temples
In a unique twist, a sorrowful choir leader (Jason Schwartzman) decides to mentor his former school music teacher (Carol Kane) for her bat mitzvah. This offbeat situation unfolds in Nathan Silver’s newest film, which stands out as the most authentic, Jewishly-immersed, subtly awkward, Harold and Maude-inspired, and trope-free among the four films being compared.
In simpler terms, who is the MILF? She can be described as an unconventional 70-something woman, a widow, a mother, and a grandmother residing in upstate New York.
Is she white? Yes.
Is she wealthy? While she’s not on the level of Hathaway, Kidman, or French in terms of wealth, she appears to own a beautiful house and doesn’t seem financially stressed.
Is Carla naturally attractive, with a genuine and down-to-earth charm reminiscent of Carol Kane, rather than someone who embodies a polished, overly glamorous, or seemingly struggle-free image associated with Hollywood?
Is her house aesthetically pleasing but with a melancholic Instagram vibe that leaves you mysteriously unsatisfied?
Is there an impression that she’s portrayed as overly proper or uptight? Not at all. On the contrary, Carla breaks the mold of typical MILF characters in movies by being bold, even a bit eccentric.
It seems like it has been some time since she’s had a romantic partner, given that her spouse recently passed away, but the exact duration is uncertain.
Does she have a spirited companion who encourages her to socialize and sometimes suggests they should experience new things together? Yes, she also has a friend who occasionally prepares her with an unusual cup of tea during the day.
Could it be that this woman has been deeply committed to her profession as a music teacher for four decades, to the point where one might wonder if she prefers focusing on her career rather than pursuing romantic relationships?
“Although she appears successful by many traditional standards, there’s a sense that Carla feels incomplete or unfulfilled, as she hasn’t undergone the Bat Mitzvah ceremony, something she has expressed a strong desire for.”
“Was her first husband somewhat unsupportive about her having a Bat Mitzvah? It seems he didn’t approve of her doing so, and she did not proceed with it until he passed away from smoking.”
It seems that the women Ben’s age don’t compare favorably to Carla in terms of their quirky and whimsical personality. Despite encountering several women on dating sites who resemble his deceased wife, he finds none of them as captivating as Carla.
Who is the single child she has? (In this family, Matt, a psychiatrist, is one of the two kids.)
Matt, in an overbearing and disrespectful manner, restricts his mother from ordering vodka during dinner, disparages her when she mentions her upcoming bat mitzvah celebration, and overall exhibits unpleasant behavior. Despite being subjected to such treatment, his mother fails to assert herself and express her feelings appropriately. In this situation, it appears that the mother is making significant sacrifices in her own needs and well-being out of a misguided sense of guilt or obligation towards Matt.
In my latest review, I’m diving into the captivating world of a film where the central character is none other than Ben Gottlieb, a former student of the protagonist, Carla, who’s now in his 40s. This intriguing tale revolves around him, a man still clinging to the comforts of his motherly figures, having recently emerged from a lengthy sabbatical following the tragic loss of his spouse.
Is he also white? Yes.
In an unexpected twist, I stumble upon this woman at a lively karaoke joint, following a heated altercation where I found myself on the receiving end of a punch after meddling with a fellow patron. It turns out that she’s none other than my former teacher, and it’s clear our past is about to collide with our present in a most intriguing way.
Does Carla seem unaffected by Ben, a quality that he finds intriguingly cool?
Is Ben unusually attractive and engaging in a manner that instantly disqualifies him as a romantic option for Carla, partly because she harbors distrust towards men and partly due to her own feelings of self-doubt stemming from being over 25 years old?
In my opinion, Ben, a man grappling with profound grief and disillusionment, manages to leave a lasting impression on Carla. Initially, he catches her attention simply by giving her undivided focus, something rare in today’s world. As their relationship deepens, he shares his hidden depths, revealing his heartache and disenchantment. This resonates with Carla, drawing her further into his orbit, albeit in a non-romantic manner at first. A standout moment is when Ben recounts a story she shared with him verbatim, demonstrating his attentiveness and respect for her.
Is it possible that those hidden aspects of his personality make the woman, who struggles with trust issues, question deeply ingrained views about dating someone younger or any man at all, due to fear of emotional instability she’s worked hard to maintain for self-preservation? However, society and this film have led her to believe she’s too old to be attractive or truly lovable, even though she clearly is. Interestingly, it’s him who turns out to be emotionally guarded and apprehensive until he falls in love with her.
Is there a nurturing or motherly aspect to Carla’s interactions with Ben? For instance, she helps him recover from being drunk, drives him home, prepares tea for him, encourages him to sing again, and even lets him sleep in her son’s pajamas at her house.
Is it implied that she’s expressing something like “You consider me too old for certain things,” rather than in a romantic sense? This movie has a clever touch, but early on, she seems to take offense at his belief that she’s past the age for becoming bat mitzvah. She essentially says, “You think I’ve grown dull-witted!” (However, he actually says, “I believe you’ve grown old and lost your wit.”)
Is it more like she’s saying, “I overcame three minor strokes so don’t hold me back now.” or “I pushed through three minor strokes, so let’s not stop here.”
Is it still the case that they don’t act upon their relationship, which is left ambiguous until the end of the movie and remains unconsummated onscreen in a literal sense? However, Carla’s bat mitzvah serves as a kind of emotional or sensual culmination for both characters.
Is it hot? Of course, it’s Carol Kane!
However, it seems there’s an intricate relationship between Ben and Matt’s offspring and romantic interests that has unfortunately complicated matters, making the situation quite troublesome for everyone involved.
“Instead of a love montage set to contemporary pop music, they find themselves falling in love over shared meals of non-kosher cheeseburgers, accompanied by a lively piano melody, and numerous Torah study sessions.”
As a film aficionado, I couldn’t help but notice an unusual spark in Ben’s eyes during our tea party. Normally reserved, he was unusually jovial and even shared laughter over watching his bar-mitzvah video. In a surreal twist, he seemed to have a heartfelt conversation with his younger self, suggesting a sense of peace and contentment I haven’t seen in him before.
However, it appears that Ben expresses himself more passionately about Carla than she does in response.
Is there a young woman who makes a snarky comment and causes trouble for a more mature woman (referred to as MILF)? However, Carla is confident and unruffled enough that even a younger woman’s attempts at ruffling her feathers fail to have any effect on her.
It seems that most people around Ben, including his family members, express disapproval when Ben declares his affection for Carla during a game of telephone over Shabbat dinner. The primary reason for this disapproval appears to be the age difference between them; they find it strange because she is younger and he is older.
Is Matt troubled when he finds out that Ben has feelings for his mother? (In this paraphrase, the focus is on Matt’s emotional reaction to learning about Ben’s romantic interest in his mother, rather than using the term “offspring” which can be ambiguous and less relatable.)
It seems that no one in this movie is excessively preoccupied with making such observations about the plot’s events if the characters’ roles were gender-swapped.
How do they solve for the unholy MILF problem and ultimately Make It Work? Ben chases Carla home across town, falls, and concusses himself. Carla rescues him and asks him to perform her bat mitzvah.
it symbolizes the intense mental activity happening in our brains, and it’s also used metaphorically in Judaism to represent wisdom and understanding.
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2024-08-30 14:59