Tahara is a captivating and thought-provoking drama-comedy movie from 2020 that tells the story of Carrie and Hannah, two high school teenagers who are grappling with their Jewish identity, mortality, and teenage angst amidst a tragic event. The movie starts with a funeral of their schoolmate, Jesse, who committed suicide, leaving the school community in shock and grief. The school counselors decide to organize a peer-led Tahara ceremony for Jesse, where Carrie and Hannah are chosen to lead the ceremony.
As the movie progresses, we see Carrie, Hannah, and their classmates coming to terms with the harsh reality of life and death. Their conversations, actions, and reactions are authentic and relatable, highlighting the common fears and doubts teenagers have and the coping mechanisms they adopt.
The movie touches on various themes, such as sexuality, identity, friendship, and religion, as the two girls navigate through their own lives and the ceremony. Carrie struggles with her homosexuality and the acceptance from her conservative parents and community, while Hannah tries to reconcile her Jewish faith with her disillusionment with God.
Madeline Grey DeFreece, who plays Carrie, delivers a fantastic performance, capturing the emotional complexities and vulnerability of her character with ease. Her chemistry with Rachel Sennott, who plays Hannah, is convincing and engaging, and the strong female friendship they share is heartwarming to watch.
Daniel Taveras, who plays Nick, is another standout performer in the movie, bringing in a fresh perspective and energy to the dynamics of the group.
The movie's direction by Olivia Peace is commendable, as she manages to keep the movie engaging and relatable despite its heavy themes. The use of natural lighting, handheld cameras, and close-up shots adds to the realism of the movie, making it feel like a fly-on-the-wall account of teenage life.
The movie's soundtrack, composed by composer Ariel Marx, is another highlight, seamlessly blending in with the narrative and enhancing the emotional depth of the scenes.
Overall, Tahara is a refreshing and powerful coming-of-age drama that explores the complexities of life and death with sensitivity and humor, making it a must-watch for any teenager or anyone who has been a teenager. The movie's subtle yet impactful message of community, acceptance, and resilience makes it an inspiring and relevant watch for our times.
Tahara is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.
