Reformed review: Elsa Guedj's French drama starts strong but falters in execution

India Today

a day ago

The French drama 'Reformed', now streaming on JioHotstar, starts off like a breath of fresh air. It follows the journey of Lea, a young woman in her early 20s who has just become a rabbi. Like many others her age, she is trying hard to figure out who she really is.At the beginning, 'Reformed' feels exciting. We meet Lea as she fumbles through religious duties, questions her faith and navigates dating and relationships. She's not perfect, and that's what makes her interesting. Her confusion feels real. For many young adults, it might even feel personal and relatable. That feeling of trying to be an adult without really knowing how? Yes, it resonates.advertisementElsa Guedj, who plays Lea, is the show's biggest strength. She brings heart, humour, and honesty to the screen. It's easy to see why she won the Best Actress award at the Series Mania Festival.The series is also inspired by the writings of Delphine Horvilleur, one of France's few female rabbis. That adds depth and a personal touch to Lea's story.
Her struggles, from caring for her atheist father (played by actor Eric Elmosnino) to grappling with religious rituals she is unsure of, feel real. A subplot involving her father introducing his girlfriend to his adult children enriches the narrative, making it more engaging.The first three episodes are promising. They offer something different, and Lea's world feels warm and relatable. The show addresses taboo topics like circumcision and cremation in a clever manner. But good acting and a strong premise aren't enough when the writing falls flat. And sadly, that's what happens here.The pacing slows. New characters are introduced but make little impact. Some storylines appear and disappear without closure. Scenes begin to feel repetitive, and the energy one felt in the beginning fizzles out. What begins as an engaging exploration of identity and belief slowly turns into a sluggish, scattered narrative. The plot thins and side plots go nowhere. The writing plays it too safe, and the slow pacing becomes a drag.Eventually, the show's focus shifts to abstract religious discussions, sidelining the personal journeys of the characters that first draw you in. The result? You may find yourself checking your phone mid-episode, a clear sign that the story has lost its grip. You might even find yourself thinking of another show along similar lines - Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This', which follows the story of Noah (played by Adam Brody), a male rabbi who falls in love with Joanne (played by Kristenn Bell), a podcaster. That series balances humour, romance and religion, making it solid entertainer. You find yourself rooting for the lead couple.'Reformed', on the other hand, does none of that. There is a scene where Lea's father tells her that she may not find a partner now that she's a female rabbi. Following which, she doubts herself and goes on a date. Later, she bumps into an old-school flame, now engaged, who asks her to elope with him just before the wedding. But the plotline ends abruptly. We see less of Lea as a young woman navigating life and more of a female rabbi.It's not that 'Reformed' is bad. It's just okay. And when a show begins with so much promise, okay feels disappointing.advertisementIf you are hoping for consistent storytelling, emotional payoff, or meaningful character arcs, 'Reformed' doesn't quite deliver. It starts strong but doesn't hold your attention for long.The bottom line is, 'Reformed' is like a journey that begins with hope but loses sight of its destination.- Ends2.5 out of 5 stars to Reformed.Must Watch