31 CANDLES

Disclaimer: I received a free advance screening of this Movie on behalf of
Level 33 Entertainment, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Movie by Level 33 Entertainment

31 Candles, the latest indie film from writer/director Jonah Feingold (who also stars), is a charming, gently off-beat coming-of-age story that seamlessly blends rom-com warmth with a distinctly Jewish sensibility.

About 31 CANDLES

When a Jewish film director who makes Christmas movies in New York City decides to have his Bar Mitzvah at the age of 31, he must navigate situationships, exes, and family to complete his Mitzvah project and impress his childhood camp crush. Inspired by Jonah Feingold’s life, 31 Candles is a heartwarming rom-com about love, identity, and growing up—eventually.

Trailer

My Thoughts

31 Candles, the latest indie film from writer/director Jonah Feingold (who also stars), is a charming, gently off-beat coming-of-age story that seamlessly blends rom-com warmth with a distinctly Jewish sensibility.

At its center is Leo Kadner (Feingold), a chronically single, 30-year-old New Yorker who has somehow reached adulthood without ever having had a Bar Mitzvah. His life takes an unexpected turn after a chance encounter with his childhood friend and long-standing crush, Eva Shapiro (newcomer Sarah Coffey). Pulled into a belated journey of identity, romance, and awkward self-discovery, Leo decides to have his long-overdue Bar Mitzvah at his upcoming 31st birthday.

The film proudly wears its influences on its sleeve. While there are unmistakable echoes of peak Woody Allen in its neurotic humor, New York settings, and volleying dialogue, Feingold brings a modern, self-aware charm that keeps the story light on its feet. The screenplay has fun with contemporary ideas of family, faith, and "situationships," blending cultural specificity with the universal confusion of modern dating.

Leo, having spent much of his life dodging true love, suddenly finds himself fumbling toward something genuine. The romantic dynamic between him and the over six-foot-tall Eva is sweet, awkward, and often funny. Their paths converge when Eva—an actress who dreams of Broadway—begins coaching him through the rituals of his much-delayed Bar Mitzvah, a setup that provides both comedy and surprising emotional resonance.

Feingold's direction is inventive, incorporating playful side discussions, humorous visual asides, and exuberant captioned sequences (like "How to get ready for a date") that give the film a lively, scrapbook-like feel. The setting of New York City, beautifully highlighted through iconic landmarks during the Christmas and Hanukkah season, perfectly pairs with the sentimental theme.

The entire ensemble cast is remarkable, including Jackie Sandler, Dale Moss, Catherine Cohen, Jared Freid, and the profound supporting presence of Caroline Aaron as Leo’s supportive Jewish grandmother.

31 Candles ultimately glows with warmth and sincerity. Even without deep knowledge of Jewish culture, the characters feel authentic, affectionate, and rooted in real experience. This heartwarming, hilarious indie film explores tradition, identity, and the sometimes ridiculous lengths we go to for a second chance at love, making it a comforting, cheerful standout in the modern rom-com landscape.

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