Bad Shabbos

Daniel Robbins and Zack Weiner's "Bad Shabbos" is absolutely hilarious from the get-go and never lets up. A Jewish family invites the son's non-Jewish financee's parents to dinner for the first time - more specifically, to their Shabbat dinner. What follows is dark comedy executed with perfect timing and fearless commitment to the insane premise. The film is deeply steeped in New York City Jewish culture, which may have helped it become an audience favorite at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, though its appeal clearly transcends the regional. It won awards in Cordillera and Wisconsin as well. The humor is specific without being exclusionary. David Paymer and Cliff "Method Man" Smith deliver outstanding performances, anchoring an ensemble where every cast member brings exceptional comedic timing. The teenage character obsessed with the IDF (Jon Bass) is a brilliantly pitched balance between disturbing and absurd. Best enjoyed with a kosher wine and a group of family and friends, or strangers who aren't afraid to laugh at the darkest possible family dinner.