Dir. Yoav & Doran Paz | Now Streaming On: Tubi | Rating: 4/5

Though an intimidating watch at first glance, this Israeli period horror is quite the gem, even if it hasn’t found its way to many US audiences. Period horror is another one of my lowest ranking subgenres. Old English tends to go over my head or take me out of the story. But what really sells The Golem’s story for me is its rich history and folklore rooted in Jewish faith and mysticism. ⁠
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Director-brother duo, Doron and Yoav Paz, cite the Jewish legend of “the Jewish Frankenstein” as the loose foundation of this film. You may recognize the Pazes from their more popular sophomore horror project JeruZalem (2013), but we’ll save that less positive discussion for another review. What I will say for now is that the Pazes’ work on The Golem blows their prior projects out of the water in style, writing, and overall prowess. ⁠
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The Golem is a beautiful crafted tale of grief, tradition, and fear. Using Hanna as the “Doctor Frankenstein” character in this retelling, fleshes out our traditional view of Frankenstein’s monster dilemma. The idea of protecting a life you have created becomes incredibly visceral and real told through the eyes of Hanna, as a mother who has already created and lost one life before the Golem. ⁠
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As expected of a period horror, this is a slow burn with no existing jump scares. These scares are unnerving and speak more to the horrors of prejudice, jealousy, and rage humans are capable of. The pacing will not be a fit for everyone, but if this is your vibe – it’s not one to miss. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features blood, death, nudity, sex, racial/ethnic violence, fire, religious commentary and themes. ⁠