A family dramedy takes a sharp turn into high-strung farce in Bad Shabbos, a twisty walk across a tightrope from co-writer/director Daniel Robbins.

Taking place during the Jewish Sabbath where those who participate are encouraged to rest with family, Robbins and co-writer Zack Weiner don’t waste a moment to build comedic tension. New extended family members are being welcomed while snarky swipes from an existing feud threaten to derail the introductions, followed by a misfired prank resulting in an accidental murder. And, won’t you believe this, Dad keeps sneaking bites of dinner in the kitchen! As the night carries on, everyone in the small New York apartment eventually finds out about the dead body and are spitballing suggestions for how to “take care of it”; including the affable doorman Jordan (Cliff Smith aka. Method Man of the Wu-Tang Clan and How High).

Although sequences featuring people scurrying down hallways in single file may be a little too on the nose for a contemporary farce, Bad Shabbos breathes life into the fading sub-genre; reminding audiences of how satisfying impeccability-timed silly comedy can be. Anchoring the movie are the complicated family dynamics that flare up when a plan is being hatched which, in contrast to the broader gags, are funny in themselves.

Try Bad Shabbos for the next family trip to the movies. Though this is an age appropriate suggestion considering the film’s cursing – as one might do when an accidental murder occurs.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie