Tahara

Tahara is an intriguing indie film that delves deep into the complex world of adolescence, friendship, sexuality, and religion. Directed by Olivia Peace, the film has been praised for being an earnest and pointed exploration of the tumultuous teen years. The independent movie focuses on two best friends, Carrie Lowstein and Hannah Rosen, played by Madeline Grey DeFreece and Rachel Sennott, respectively.

The setting of the movie is a funeral service at their progressive Jewish community school in upstate New York, which serves as a unique backdrop to start their journey of self-discovery. The death in question is of their classmate Samantha Goldstein, a young girl who committed suicide.

Carrie and Hannah are best friends navigating their way through the awkward years of adolescence. The film primarily takes place during the funeral service, showcasing the environment full of mourning teachers, confused students, and an even more confused Rabbi. It doesn't shy away from the closer examination of the societal rituals, traditions, and expectations attached to death, primarily in the Jewish faith.

Rachel Sennott's character, Hannah Rosen, is a popular girl who is constantly seeking validation from others, especially from Tristan (Daniel Taveras). She often seeks consolation from Damaged Goods, a famous influencer on social media who constantly posts about positive body image and inclusive beauty standards. On the other hand, Madeline Grey DeFreece's character, Carrie Lowstein, is a more earnest and straight-laced individual. These leads take center stage as they endure not only the loss of a classmate but complicated shifts in their relationship as well.

Tahara skillfully dives deep into the tumultuous emotional landscape of teenage friendships, unreturned crushes, and the challenge of navigating one’s identity within the bounds of religion. The movie grapples with the realities of being a teenager in a world laden with psyche-affecting social media, plus the anguish of grief and loss.

In the script, Hannah and Carrie often oscillate between playful bickering and moments of emotional depth, encapsulating the balance of light-hearted and gut-wrenching moments inherent in the volatile nature of teenage friendships. The dialogue is sharp and insightful, giving an authentic voice to the teenage experience.

Central to the narrative is the theme of sexuality. The film explores the girls' burgeoning awareness of their sexual identities, mainly through Carrie’s growing understanding of her queerness. It looks at the sexuality spectrum with a refreshing and nuanced perspective, but also explores the ramifications of unreturned crushes within friendships and most importantly, the courage it takes to admit one's feelings to a close friend.

As a coming of age narrative, Tahara differentiates itself with its nuanced portrayal of Jewish culture and traditions, especially rituals surrounding death. Director Olivia Peace and screenwriter Jess Zeidman intricately weave elements of Jewish customs into the storyline, aside from the major plot of the funeral amidst teenage angst. Packed with dark humor and nuanced examinations of the awkwardness and anxiety that comes with adolescence, Tahara serves as an insightful commentary on societal norms, expectations and the magic of drifting friendships.

The film’s impressive cinematography captures the somber ambiance of the funeral and the emotions of the characters effectively. The directional style has its distinct creative flair with unique framing and placement of discussions around teen angst, pressure, and identity.

Daniel Taveras, playing the charismatic Tristan, serves as a crush for both girls and brings more complexity to the plot. Multiple supporting characters, including grieving teachers and distant classmates, provide an extra layer of authenticity and provide a chance to explore the different reactions to death.

Overall, Tahara is a captivating, thought-provoking film that tactfully explores themes of teenage angst, friendships, religion, and sexuality. It pushes boundaries and captures an authentic portrayal of being a teenager, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate indie cinema with a refreshing voice.