48 | SEPTEMBER 15 • 2022 ARTS&LIFE FILM REVIEW W hat lengths will people go to for those they love? Simchas and Sorrows, a new independent comedy and drama set for theatrical release on Sept. 16 in Los Angeles and digital release on Sept. 20, grapples with the age-old question through the lens of Judaism. No Michigan dates have been set yet. In this 116-minute film by New York-based writer, director and producer Genevieve Adams, a struggling atheist actress named Agnes will stop at nothing to convert to Judaism to marry Levi, the man she loves. Adams stars in the film, playing the lead role of Agnes. As a former Catholic school girl, Agnes falls into a predicament that forces her to make a life-changing decision. She finds out she’s pregnant — an unexpected surprise — and makes an attempt to convert to Judaism for Levi, played by Thomas McDonell. Her reason: Agnes fears she won’t be accepted by Levi’s conservative Jewish family. The film follows the ups and downs of the process, and Agnes’ pregnancy, while exploring what it means to be (or in Agnes’ case, become) Jewish. Together, Agnes and Levi face antisemitism, sibling rivalry, family pressure and the idea of interfaith marriage. Tension only increases when Levi’s parents, Mortimer (Chip Zien) and Maude (Julie Halston), begin to question Agnes’ commitment to Judaism. Yet the skepticism was set into place long before Agnes came along, when Levi’s estranged brother married a woman who refused to convert, ultimately making life much more difficult for Agnes. Conversion also proves especially challenging for Agnes, who has spent her years questioning religion, breaking the rules and ultimately rebelling against the idea of faith. She meets with the progressive Rabbi Cohen, who challenges Agnes’ atheistic approach, and learns about Judaism through a viewpoint she Film about an atheist actress who attempts to convert to Judaism falls short. Simchas Sorrows and ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Levi’s family at the break-fast meal after Yom Kippur.