31 Candles is a charming, gently off-beat coming-of-age indie film from Jonah Feingold that blends rom-com warmth with a distinctly Jewish sensibility.
At its centre is Leo Kadler, a 30-year-old New Yorker who has somehow reached adulthood without ever having had a Bar Mitzvah.
When he reconnects with his childhood friend (and long-standing crush) Eva Shapiro, he finds himself pulled into a belated journey of identity, romance, and awkward self-discovery.
The film proudly wears its influences on its sleeve. There are unmistakable echoes of peak Woody Allen in its neurotic humour, New York settings, and volleying dialogue, yet Feingold also 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 universal romantic confusion.
Feingold casts himself as Leo, a chronically single, short Jewish guy – a detail the film leans into, especially as Sarah Coffey’s Eva stands comfortably over six feet tall.
Their dynamic is sweet, occasionally awkward, and often funny. Leo, having spent much of his life dodging anything that resembles true love, suddenly finds himself fumbling toward something genuine.
The film is dotted with playful side discussions (including a chat about romance in French cinema versus American movies), humorous visual asides, and exuberant captioned sequences such as “How to get ready for a date.” These little flourishes give the film an inventive, scrapbook-like feel.
Both leads hover at the edges of showbusiness. Leo proudly directs throwaway Christmas films, while Eva continues auditioning for Broadway roles that never quite land.
Their paths converge when she begins coaching him through the rituals of his much-delayed Bar Mitzvah, a setup that provides both comedy and surprising emotional resonance.
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, making the film a comforting, cheerful standout in the modern romcom landscape.
31 Candles is produced by Level 33 Entertainment. After an impressive NYC opening, it continues its multi-city platform release and will open next in Los Angeles & Scottsdale, AZ in selected cinemas on December 5th.