"Minyan" is a coming-of-age drama set in 1980s Brooklyn, where David, a young gay man, navigates his identity and sexuality within a Russian Jewish community. As he forms connections with his widowed grandfather, befriends a closeted elderly couple, and explores his desires in the local gay scene, David must confront the shadow of the emerging AIDS crisis. With its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and the tender exploration of self-discovery, "Minyan" offers a poignant and compassionate cinematic experience.
Minyan (2020): Discovering oneself amidst tradition, love, and the challenges of a changing world.
Eric Steel’s “Minyan” is a beautifully crafted narrative feature that effectively captures the struggles and triumphs of a young man’s journey toward self-discovery. Samuel H. Levine delivers a standout performance as David, infusing the character with sensitivity, heart, and a compelling questioning intelligence. Through Levine’s portrayal, David’s internal conflicts, shaped by religious tradition, immigrant isolation, and community expectations, become palpable and relatable.
The film adeptly captures the atmosphere of 1980s Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, creating a vividly drawn milieu that immerses viewers in the cultural and social complexities of the time. Steel’s collaboration with cinematographer Ole Bratt Birkeland, known for his work on “Judy,” results in a visual palette that feels almost like black and white, evoking a wintry and melancholic tone that perfectly complements the narrative.
The exploration of family dynamics, particularly David’s relationship with his widowed grandfather Josef, played brilliantly by Ron Rifkin, adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. Levine and Rifkin share an on-screen chemistry that brings authenticity and warmth to their scenes together, capturing the mentorship and support that David finds in Josef, in contrast to his strained connections with his parents, portrayed convincingly by Brooke Bloom and Gera Sandler.
One of the film’s notable strengths lies in its portrayal of the complex bond between David and the elderly couple, Herschel and Itzik, played by Christopher McCann and Mark Margolis, respectively. Their characters provide a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in a society where their relationships are misunderstood or dismissed. The film beautifully captures the longing for connection, understanding, and acceptance that exists within all of its characters.
“Minyan” also delves into the exploration of David’s sexuality and the emerging AIDS crisis, tackling these sensitive topics with grace and empathy. The script, co-written by Steel and Daniel Pearle, draws inspiration from David Bezmozgis’s short story, providing a compelling narrative foundation. While the inclusion of James Baldwin’s works in David’s studies may seem somewhat schematic, it effectively demonstrates the multiple influences that shape his evolving understanding of manhood, masculinity, sexuality, and outsider identity.
As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly absorbing, drawing viewers into David’s journey of self-discovery. The gritty visuals, infused with soulful intimacy, enhance the emotional resonance of the story, while subtle touches of wry humor add a touch
There is also a closeted gay senior couple living there, Herschel and Itzik, whom the neighbors choose to view as friends, which David befriends. In one scene in the film, the building manager explains why he doesn’t care that they live together: “Thieves, adulterers, homosexuals. I take them all, without them, we would never have our minyan”. Now that David is living away from this parents, he can explore his sexuality more fully by cruising the parks and the local library, where young gay men hang out. One night he enters a gay bar for the first time where he meets Eric, who buys him drinks, and Bruno the bartender who is definitely interested in him. They eventually hook-up and have sex, while Bruno teaches David about the perils of AIDS that is just starting to spread through the gay community.
Minyan (2020) is a film that deserves your attention. It is a powerful and poignant story of rebellion and self-discovery; sexual and spiritual awakening; and survival. It is a film that celebrates the diversity of human experience and the courage to be oneself. It is a film that will touch your heart and inspire your mind.
Keywords: Minyan, Eric Steel, Samuel H. Levine, 1980s Brooklyn, coming-of-age, sexuality, identity, AIDS crisis, religious tradition, immigrant experience, chosen family, search for acceptance, nuanced portrayal, compassionate storytelling, introspective performance.
