Simchas and Sorrows 2022

Agnes, Genevieve Adams, is a struggling actress living in Brooklyn who was raised Catholic and is now an atheist. She has just learned she is pregnant. Before she has had a chance to tell her boyfriend Levi, Thomas McDonell proposes; she accepts and immediately tells him of her pregnancy.

Levi is very close to his Jewish family who are ecstatic about the prospect of the marriage and child. Levi’s conservative brother, Abe, Billy Calder, and his non-Jewish fiancée, Glaucia, Annelise Cepero, constantly challenge and belittle Agnes and Levi’s choices, creating a tense and competitive atmosphere.

Amidst the conflicts and pressures from their respective families, Agnes remains steadfast in her own values and self-assuredness. She draws strength from her eccentric grandfather, Nate, John Cullum, who supports her unconditionally and encourages her to stay true to herself. Agnes’s unwavering belief that love, not belief, should be the foundation of her conversion resonates throughout the narrative.

As Agnes and Levi face philosophical debates, including the contentious issue of having a Christmas tree, their relationship is put to the test. Levi’s insecurities and lack of support strain their bond, leading them to question whether they should proceed with the marriage and conversion. The story unfolds as a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, where the couple navigates tradition, faith, and family expectations while trying to stay connected to what they truly believe.

The film balances intimate emotional moments with broader questions about identity, belonging, and the idea that the most meaningful connections come from love and mutual respect. Throughout, Agnes remains determined to define her own path, and the evolving dynamics with Levi, Abe, Glaucia, and Nate illuminate the challenges and possibilities of choosing a life together on terms that feel authentic. > The narrative invites viewers to reflect on how conviction and compassion can coexist, even when traditions pull in opposite directions.