Stacy Friedman (Sunny Sandler) has only one thing on her mind: her upcoming bat mitzvah. In her eyes, it’s not just a religious milestone, but the most important day of her life. More than the ceremony itself, the thirteen-year-old is obsessed with the party that follows. She and her best friend, Lydia (Samantha Lorraine), have dreamed of throwing a lavish bash to mark their entry into adulthood. However, their friendship begins to fray when a cute classmate named Andy (Dylan Hoffman) comes between them. Stacy declares war, and the once inseparable friends find themselves unable to forgive each other’s missteps, leading to bat mitzvah celebrations that spiral out of control.
Adam Sandler as Danny Friedman in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah”
Adam Sandler continues his production streak for Netflix. Earlier this year, audiences saw him alongside Jennifer Aniston in “Murder Mystery 2.” Now, as summer draws to a close, he presents a teen-centric film. This youth comedy holds a special place in Sandler’s filmography, as it stars his own family: he plays the father of the main characters, portrayed by his real-life daughters (Sunny and Sadie Sandler). Sandler’s wife, Jackie Sandler, also appears as Lydia’s mother. This family affair adds an extra layer of comfort to the already feel-good movie. “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” feels like a collaborative effort from the Sandler family, who clearly had a blast on set. Perhaps they didn’t even have to try too hard to get into character. It’s easy to imagine Adam Sandler as a caring, yet strict, father in baggy clothes, both on and off-screen.
Family Dynamics and Teenage Tribulations
Sadie Sandler as Ronnie Friedman in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah”
This Netflix project occasionally echoes another coming-of-age film from this year, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Like Abby Ryder Fortson’s character, Stacy turns to a higher power in moments of despair and melancholy. Both protagonists are navigating a challenging period, and their stories revolve around religion. However, the tone of each film differs significantly. Kelly Fremon Craig’s work is a smaller, indie-style movie, while the Sandler family’s production is a typical comedy for the streaming giant.
More Than Just a Party
The bat mitzvah is a rite of passage, marking a child’s entry into adulthood. While removing the Jewish tradition would strip away a key element of the plot, the story would still resonate as an accurate portrayal of adolescence. The upcoming celebration represents a turning point for the main characters, a moment after which their lives are supposed to magically transform. In reality, the friends mature gradually, learning from their mistakes and understanding the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.
Sunny Sandler as Stacy Friedman in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah”
The filmmakers capture the delicate stage of adolescence, when you’re no longer a child, but high heels are still a distant dream. At the heart of these pubescent dramas is the theme of friendship: Lydia and Stacy hurt each other and engage in childish arguments. When you’re in middle school and your best friend kisses the boy of your dreams, a calm, drama-free conversation is out of the question. The Sandler film doesn’t shy away from familiar tropes or try to stand out from the crowd of family-friendly content on Netflix. Perhaps all coming-of-age stories are both unique and similar, but you can never have too many.
A Cozy and Relatable Watch
Despite its similarities to countless other movies about teenagers (especially those produced by Netflix), “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” offers a cozy and enjoyable hour and a half. It’s a love letter to anyone who has ever been a thirteen-year-old girl, agonizing over trivial matters as if the world were about to end. But don’t dismiss the film if you don’t fit that description. These headstrong schoolgirls, obsessed with Dua Lipa and prone to grand gestures, have the power to move viewers of all ages and genders.