My initial response to this film is a kind of 'meh.' I agree with many critics that while an underwhelming project, I applaud (not merely) its sincerity but also its commitment to a specific unraveling—narratively and cinematically.

Yet by the final act, I was astonished by my emotional investment. First, Ben Vereen elevates the entire character and texture of the film—his character doesn't show up until halfway through. It's extraordinary how fit and deep Mr. Vereen continues to be as an actor closing in on a five-decades-long body of work (6 decades as of this writing). Second, my heart always does a little swan dive whenever Michael K. Williams appears (usually by surprise) on screen since his sudden death in 2021 (I'm screening Time Out of Mind for the first time in 2023). Kyra Sedwick is simply perfect, per usual.

But really, the chef's kiss that prompted my review is Dixon (Ben Varen) breaking out in a rendition of "Hine Ma Tov," almost as a throw-away cameo, in the last third of the picture. It's a hilarious, unexpected, and absolutely fitting moment for these characters. For the uninitiated, "Hine Ma Tov" is a Jewish hymn with Hebrew lyrics from Psalm 133, traditionally sung on Shabbat—but practically an Isarali anthem. I would love to know the back story of how it came to be performed by Ben Vareen in this film.

The film comes together by the end, but Richard Gere is both its greatest strength and biggest flaw. I usually adore Gere's ever-present intelligence on screen, but it breaks the realism here (for me). I'm constantly reminded of Gere's fine acting and never quite lose myself in his story.