By the time the frustratingly silly ending arrives, it's confirmed that Shem, which translates to "name" in Hebrew, is just as confused as its protagonist. Daniel's looks may charm everyone who crosses his path, but he is like the movie: most of the depth that does exist remains buried beneath the surface.
50
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
A bizarre hybrid between Euro erotic thriller and a parable of Jewish awakening.
38
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
A muddle of good intentions and bad direction, this amateurish road movie follows a young Brit across Europe as he reconnects with his Jewish roots.
30
L.A. Weekly
L.A. Weekly
Writer-director Caroline Roboh's moralistic paean to Jewish self-knowledge is so solemnly high-minded that one almost feels bad admitting that the film's only spark comes from its occasional tawdry ludicrousness.
25
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.A. Musetto
As a narrative, Shem, directed by Caroline Roboh, is a pointless hodgepodge, with a finale that will leave viewers scratching their heads.