Synopsis
In a rapidly changing New York of the 1980s, a Russian Jewish teenager wrestles with his identity, faith, and sexuality, all of which seem irreconcilable until he befriends two closeted men in his grandfather's senior housing complex.
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Cast
- Samuel H. LevineDavid
- Ron RifkinJosef
- Christopher McCannHerschel
- Richard TopolZalman
- Mark MargolisItzik
- Brooke BloomRachel
- Alex HurtBruno
- Carson MeyerAlicia
- Zane PaisNathan
- Eleanor ReissaMrs. Greenberg
Recommendations
- 83
IndieWire
In Minyan, the arresting and evocative feature film debut from documentary filmmaker Eric Steel, the search for answers turns up far more riches than any half-baked conclusion ever could. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
After its slow start, Minyan becomes progressively more absorbing, its gritty visuals conveying soulful intimacy, accented with occasional understated touches of wry humor. - 80
Variety
Levine’s an emerging talent known only to theater audiences at the moment, owing to his dual roles in Matthew Lopez’s “The Inheritance,” although Minyan makes clear that we are dealing with a performer of uncommon gifts. - 75
The Film Stage
Minyan is at its best when it is observing its characters. Often the narrative turns feel a bit abrupt, even forced. The slower bits work the best. - 70
Screen Daily
The film might not be doing anything revolutionary with the gay coming of age story, but it is heartfelt and honest. And at times, unexpectedly hot. - 70
The New York Times
The film allows its societies to speak through gestures, whether it is the passing of personal possessions after a death or the brush of bodies behind a bar, and its portrait of both Jewishness and queerness is richer for it. - 70
Los Angeles Times
With its numerous supporting characters, many unfortunately embodied through mannered acting, Steel’s picture spins around Levine’s superb turn of tender sensuality and suppressed rage seeking catharsis in the body of another. - 60
TheWrap
There is enough here in the first hour to make this memory piece worthwhile, and Levine is clearly someone worth watching and following.
