Ethan Bloom Film Review & Talkback

by Jennifer Anne Toback

While on a much-needed family vacation visiting my mom in West Palm Beach, my husband and I had planned a date night at the beautiful Delray Beach Movie Theater, where there was going to be a very special screening of the independent film “Ethan Bloom.” As a full-time working Mom of three daughters, two of whom are teenagers, I was really looking forward to this night out.

Filmed in Miami, Florida is a very powerful and heartfelt coming of age story, directed by Herschel Faber and written by Maylen Dominguez. It is about 13 year old Ethan Bloom, played by star on the rise Hank Greenspan, who should be focused on preparing for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah, but instead, much to the chagrin of his widowed Jewish Dad, played by outstanding Joshua Malina strongly believes that his spiritual and religious path is with the Catholic Church where he secretly finds comfort, support and consolation. He gets guidance and advice from the caring, patient and kind Father Diaz, played expertly by Carlos Ponce.

Through the guidance and wisdom of the unconventional Rabbi Dani, played splendidly by Rachelle Lefevre, the love of his somewhat complex, yet quite funny and lively family and his very first romance with a somewhat rambunctious Camille, played by Caroline Valencia, Ethan must confront his deception and grief only to discover that faith and religion and finding one’s true purpose or inspiration isn’t about choosing one religion over another or choosing sides, but honoring all the beautifully flawed pieces of who we are and what makes us unique and special to our friends, our family and ultimately ourselves.

Neil Friedman of Menemsha Films said, “The film ‘Ethan Bloom’ is a one-of-a-kind coming of age story featuring two wonderful young actors. The adult cast are equally compelling, making this film a unique look at faith, love and family we’ve yet to see on screen until now.”

Director Faber stated that “’Ethan Bloom’ is about every kid who’s ever felt caught between different worlds, whether that means faith, culture, or family expectations and writer Maylen Dominguez and I set out to tell a story that could make people laugh, cry, and see themselves. Faber also said that he is thrilled that Mememsha Films understands this story’s heart and its breakout potential to reach audiences everywhere.”

One of my favorite characters was Ethan’s Grandmother Elaine, who was quite colorful, outspoken, and humorous, played by Mindy Sterling. The very sweet and caring Yaya character played by Adriana Pascual reminded me of my Grandmother Allegra. What I especially liked about this film as well as the beautifully crafted story and endearing characters was the fact that interwoven throughout the story were subtle elements of the Sephardic as well as Ashkenazi cultures which are both two of the largest ancestral divisions of the Jewish people. I really enjoyed hearing Spanish being spoken whether it was the Sephardic Ladino or Castilian Spanish. I felt at home watching this film like we were actually a part of Ethan’s personal journey and quest for self-acceptance. I myself am a part of an eclectic family consisting of both Catholic and Jewish faiths. I am both a Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jew and my cousins are Irish Catholic and Sephardic Jews. Growing up I got to celebrate both Channukah at home and Christmas with my cousins on Long Island. Like Ethan Bloom, I developed a respect and fascination for the Saints and a fondness for Mother Mary. Although I never questioned my Jewish faith or wanted to convert, I definitely identified with what he was going through. To this day, I still ask St. Anthony to help me find things and I always kid around that despite me being Jewish, he usually always helps me! : ) I can totally relate to Ethan Bloom and his quest for self acceptance.

This film was so endearing and I highly recommend it. It reminded both my husband and I of the famous sleeper hit movie “Dirty Dancing” which also had such relatable and endearing characters. You felt like you were at the Sheldrake at times just like you were in the kitchen with Ethan and his dad Gary Bloomfield. It recently won the Directors Choice Award for Best Feature-Comedy at the Sedona International Film Festival.

The wonderfully talented cast includes Joshua Malina (“The West Wing,” “Scandal”), Rachelle Lefevre (“The Twilight Saga”), Carlos Ponce, who is also a singer and songwriter, and Mindy Sterling (the “Austin Powers” trilogy). The film is led by rising stars Caroline Valencia, best known as young Selena Gomez in the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building,” and Hank Greenspan, who appeared in the CBS sitcom “The Neighborhood” for eight seasons.

“Ethan Bloom” is available on streaming platforms and in certain theatres. Check out the trailer here: