Saints Rest

Saints Rest is a 2018 American musical drama that is as much about discovering one’s place in the world as it is about finding the power of music and following your heart. The movie masterfully explores the fundamental themes of life, aspirations, familial bonds, and human connections.

Set in the quaint, charming ambiance of Grinnell, Iowa, Saints Rest follows the lives of two Jewish-American sisters, and their worlds that are interconnected with the eponymous Saints Rest coffeehouse. The film is a lyrical, emotional journey of sibling love and the ups and downs that bind them together.

Directed by Noga Ashkenazi, the film stars Allie Trimm and Hani Furstenberg. Allie Trimm, a Broadway actress known for her performances, embodies the character of Joni, who is the younger sister. Joni, full of hope and ambition, is getting ready to fly the nest and start her musical journey in a conservatory on the East Coast. Hani Furstenberg, famed for her performances in international cinema, plays the elder sister, Leah, who is trying desperately to keep the family together, and the family's coffee shop Saints Rest open after their parents have passed away. The powerfully poignant performances of Trimm and Furstenberg bring an underlying value of authenticity and an emotive intensity to the narrative.

Joining Trimm and Furstenberg are Dana Ivgy, who adds an essential dynamic to the film with her supportive role. Her character, Tali, is the voice of reason, support, and friendship for both sisters. Making it look effortless, Ivgy breathes life into her character, helping us believe in the beautiful yet complicated world of Saints Rest.

Saints Rest, unlike other movies of this genre, strays from being didactic. It manages to flawlessly weave in the vibrant themes of Jewish culture and traditions, small-town life, music, and sisterhood, offering a sincere and genuine representation of these elements. Music plays an essential role as both the bone of contention and the common thread between the two sisters. Music here is seen as respite, a form of expression, and a way to relate to the world around them. It stands as an emblem of hope for the younger sister Joni, while a symbol of legacy and responsibilities for the elder sister Leah.

As the narrative progresses, the film also brings out the stark contrast in each sister's true desires and realities, making viewers relate to their dreams, struggles, and contradictions. Central to these contradictions is the notion of home – what it means, where it is, and who builds it. The narrative invites viewers to relate to the concept of home from the perspective of Joni and Leah, who grapple with their interpretations of where they belong.

The movie focuses significantly on dialogue, character development, and a soulful sound score. It connects the audience to the captivating character arcs, engaging dialogue, and exceptional performances by the ensembles. The director skillfully uses the power of music and song sequences as a narrative tool to unveil the story layers.

The visuals of Saints Rest capture the idyllic setting of a small Midwestern town, remedying the intensity of the plot with moments of serenity and charm. Together with the compelling narrative, the visuals provide a nostalgic feel, a sense of comfort and familiarity that truly captures the essence of the small-town setting in America's heartland.

By the end, Saints Rest asserts itself as a film that effortlessly charms its audience with its heartfelt story of relationships, dreams, and hometown. Gently reminiscent of a warmly melancholic folk song, it resonates deeply within our hearts and souls long after the end credits roll.

Saints Rest is a beautiful composition of love, life, music, and sisterhood. It's a narrative that resonates with the viewers, not just through its storyline, but also through the heartfelt performances of its cast and its association with music and human relationships. A tribute to all of life's complexities and simplicities, Saints Rest is an enriching cinematic experience not to be missed.