“Adam Sandler’s Family Snubbed by ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ Filmmaker”

‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ Director on Working With Adam Sandler’s Daughters in Netflix’s New Teen Movie

Focusing on a Unique Coming-of-Age Experience

Sammi Cohen, the director of “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” a new Netflix teen movie, recently sat down with Variety to discuss her experience working on the film. The movie centers around the Bat Mitzvah, a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony typically accompanied by a large celebration, and explores the nuances of this important milestone for Jewish kids and their friends. Cohen explains that she was drawn to the project because she wanted to make a movie that represented her Jewish identity and catered to young Jews.

Casting and Family Dynamics

One notable aspect of the film is the involvement of Adam Sandler’s real-life family. Sandler’s wife, Jackie, and their daughters, Sunny and Sadie, are all part of the cast. According to Cohen, Sunny and Sadie were already attached to the project when she came on board as the director, and building the cast around them was a natural progression. Cohen praises the natural chemistry that exists between the Sandler family members on set, highlighting moments like Adam playfully spilling coffee on Sunny in the car scene.

A Modern and Progressive Approach

Cohen emphasizes that while the film is based on Fiona Rosenbloom’s novel, she wanted to give it a more modern and progressive twist. She aimed to make it more inclusive, queer, body-positive, and open-minded when it comes to social issues, family dynamics, and gender. Cohen also updated the music in the film to reflect contemporary artists, recognizing that music plays a vital role in coming-of-age stories and the Bat Mitzvah experience itself.

Inspiration and Easter Eggs

As a fan of the coming-of-age genre, Cohen drew inspiration from classic teen movies such as “Clueless,” the John Hughes collection, and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” She wanted to capture the spirit of those films while infusing her own style and referencing other contemporary works like “Shiva Baby” and “Mean Girls.” Cohen also reveals that the film contains various Easter eggs, including references to Happy Madison productions and personal touches like artwork from her previous film, “Crush.”

A Realistic Portrayal of Teenagers

Cohen and her costume designer, Jordy Scheinberg, prioritized creating authentic and realistic costumes for the characters. They consulted with Sunny and Sadie to understand their personal style and preferences, ensuring that the clothing choices felt relatable and true to life. Cohen wanted the characters to look and feel like real kids, rather than conforming to exaggerated or sexualized stereotypes often associated with teenagers. The objective was to capture the essence of the Bat Mitzvah experience and the daily lives of young Jewish individuals.

Celebrating Jewish Culture

Bringing Jewish culture to the forefront was a significant goal for Cohen and Sandler. They wanted to celebrate and showcase this world that they both know and love, while also providing a window into it for audiences who may not be familiar with Jewish customs and traditions. Cohen highlights the sense of community, family, and warmth that comes with being Jewish. She describes the Reform Judaism depicted in the film as progressive and notes that it is important to portray the inclusive and welcoming nature of the Jewish experience.

Editorial

As “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” hits Netflix screens, it marks a refreshing return to the neglected genre of teen movies. In recent years, superhero films and reboots of existing intellectual properties have dominated the box office, leading to a lack of representation for the stories and experiences of teenagers. Cohen’s film brings forward a unique coming-of-age experience that will resonate with Jewish audiences and provide a relatable narrative for viewers of all backgrounds. By focusing on the Bat Mitzvah, the film explores themes of identity, friendship, and the transition into adulthood.

Cohen’s decision to cast Adam Sandler’s real-life family adds an authentic touch to the film. The chemistry between Sandler and his daughters, Sunny and Sadie, brings an undeniable warmth to the screen. This genuine family dynamic enhances the storytelling and allows the characters to feel more relatable and believable.

The updated and progressive approach to the story is another notable aspect of the film. Cohen’s goal of creating a more inclusive and diverse narrative reflects the changing landscape of contemporary cinema. By incorporating queer, body-positive, and socially aware elements, the film opens up discussions around important social issues while remaining true to the essence of the Bat Mitzvah experience.

The inclusion of Easter eggs and references to classic teen movies adds an extra layer of enjoyment for cinephiles. It showcases the director’s appreciation for the genre and pays homage to the films that have influenced her work. These subtle nods will delight viewers who appreciate the intertextuality and cinematic references.

By presenting realistic and relatable teenagers, Cohen challenges the stereotypes and tropes often associated with this age group. The decision to prioritize authenticity in the costumes, influenced by the input of the young actors themselves, contributes to a more genuine portrayal of their characters. This nuanced approach helps to humanize the teenage experience and dispel misconceptions about how teenagers should look and behave.

Overall, “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” is a significant contribution to the coming-of-age genre. By shining a spotlight on Jewish culture and providing a fresh take on the teenage experience, the film brings diversity and representation to the forefront. It is a reminder that teen movies have the power to resonate with audiences of all ages and bridge the gap between generations by exploring universal themes of self-discovery and the complexities of growing up.

Advice

For filmmakers and storytellers looking to make a mark in the coming-of-age genre, “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” serves as an excellent example of how to infuse new perspectives and themes into a familiar narrative structure. By delving into specific cultural experiences and focusing on underrepresented perspectives, filmmakers can create stories that resonate with audiences and provide a fresh take on universal themes.

When casting, consider the potential of involving real-life families or individuals who embody the authenticity and chemistry necessary for a compelling on-screen dynamic. This can elevate the storytelling and make the characters feel more relatable and genuine.

Additionally, embracing inclusivity and diversity in storytelling is essential. By incorporating progressive and socially aware themes, filmmakers can create narratives that are relevant and reflective of contemporary society. It is important to challenge stereotypes and strive for authenticity in portraying characters from all backgrounds and identities.

Lastly, paying homage to the classics and interweaving cinematic references can add depth and enjoyment for audiences. These subtle nods create connections with the film canon and enhance the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” is a film that celebrates Jewish culture, showcases the power of family dynamics on screen, and provides a much-needed revival of the teen movie genre. Its success lies in its ability to tell a relatable story while also incorporating progressive themes and creating an authentic teenage experience.