Making Unorthodox

Making Unorthodox is a powerful and insightful behind-the-scenes documentary film that complements the four-part Netflix miniseries, "Unorthodox." Released in 2020, the one-hour documentary features key scenes and interviews with cast members who were a part of the successful show, providing viewers with a more profound understanding of the creative processes and painstaking efforts that went into bringing "Unorthodox" to the small screen.

The documentary features an ensemble cast, including actress Shira Haas, who plays the lead role of Esty in the miniseries, Silke Fischer, and Harvey Friedman; each offering valuable insights into their characters and the world they strived to depict. Through their lenses, viewers are taken deep into the heart of the vivid and culturally rich, ultra-orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Making Unorthodox begins by exploring the story of Deborah Feldman, the real-life inspiration behind the series. Feldman's memoir "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots," is the framework for the miniseries. The documentary highlights the team effort undertaken to adapt this deeply personal and controversial story for television, ultimately striving to redefine perceptions, break stereotypes, and give a voice to underrepresented narratives.

Shira Haas, an outstanding Israeli actress recognized for her captivating performances, takes a central role in the film. The documentary offers exclusive glimpses into how she meticulously prepared for her role, including learning the specific form of Yiddish dialect used in the series and immersing herself in a culture that was initially foreign to her. This detailed exploration of Haas's process makes for compelling viewing, reflecting her dedication and commitment to bringing her character to life.

A significant part of Making Unorthodox spotlights the vital effort put into creating authenticity within the series. From realistic costume design to accurately recreating the Williamsburg housing environment in Germany, the documentary showcases the lengths the creators went to ensure every detail portrayed the ultra-orthodox Jewish community genuinely. The film also explores the Yiddish language's nuanced use and its critical role in the series. The majority of the dialogue in the series is in Yiddish, a choice that lends further authenticity but also provided a unique challenge. Behind-the-scenes look at Yiddish coaching and efforts to capture pronunciation and use correctly heightens admiration for the cast's dedication and skills.

The dynamics between the cast members is another intriguing aspect of this documentary. The spontaneous moments of humor, camaraderie, and struggle during intense scenes provide a tangible sense of unity, commitment, and dedication among the team. Interactions between lead characters, off-shooting anecdotes, and some light-hearted moments beautifully balance the documentary, shedding a humanistic light on the team behind this profound story.

By featuring conversations with the creators, writers, and producers, Making Unorthodox also sheds light on the vision and mission of the Netflix miniseries. It provides viewers with a deeper understanding of how the creators aimed to navigate the delicate balance of portraying a tight-knit community while respecting its traditions and norms.

Throughout the documentary, the audience is consistently engaged by the enthralling experiences of the cast and crew involved. Whether it is discussing the strategic planning that shaped the script or delving into the artistic decisions involved in set production and visual design, Making Unorthodox invites viewers into the creative process behind one of the most engrossing miniseries.

Overall, Making Unorthodox is a fascinating and deep dive into the creative process that went into crafting the groundbreaking series "Unorthodox." It offers a rich and broader context to the miniseries, engaging audiences with intimate revelations, conversations, and experiences. Whether you’ve seen the series or not, Making Unorthodox is an engaging watch for anyone interested in exploring artistic creation, authenticity, and the captivating intersection of culture and storytelling.