Director Emily Lerer and screenwriter/star Emily Nash’s short comedy, Judy-ism, addresses the complications of honoring family tradition. Judy (Nash) is about to be married to her fiancé, Jack (John Noble Barrack), when her controlling mother, Nancy (Sheri Effres), makes some last-minute changes. We first see Judy and Jack sitting by a lake, having a romantic moment. The mood is killed when her mother, Nancy (Sheri Effres), abruptly demands last-minute changes to the wedding that lean more into Jewish tradition.
Judy is upset as she argues over who has a say in the wedding plans. As Nancy tries to manipulate the situation by saying her deceased father, Tom (Jonathan Fishman), would agree with these changes, we see the pain in Judy’s eyes at not having her father at the wedding. To mentally escape her tense emotions, Judy imagines herself celebrating her 13th birthday with her parents and best friend, Tova (Stephanie Sherry). Tom’s advice and reassurance console her on this day. Why is Judy reminiscing about this day in particular? Will she find a way to stand up to her mother in her current predicament?
“…her mother, Nancy, abruptly demands last-minute changes to the wedding…”
Lerer is an effective director who brings out genuine performances from the cast. Nash brings a quirky charm with magnetic exaggerated expressions. Hopefully, she becomes the next leading lady of comedy alongside greats like Lucille Ball. The humor throughout Judy-ism hits in all the right places, even if the outcome feels preordained.
Carrie Morgan Glassman’s cinematography brings out a familial feel with the color palette of brown and gold. The dynamic between Judy and Nancy feels authentic and sweet, even when the mother and daughter drive each other up the wall. Judy-ism is up there with other marital comedies like the Steve Martin-starring Father of The Bride. It is a heartfelt comedy that will appeal to couples young and old.