The third installment of the popular Israeli film franchise, *Matchmaking 3*, opened in theaters across Israel on Thursday, continuing the story of its beloved characters in a new setting: New York City. Directed by Erez Tadmor, the film follows Baruch, the series’ protagonist played by Maor Schwietzer, as he travels to the United States in an effort to find a suitable groom for the daughter of an American ultra-Orthodox billionaire, portrayed by Michael Rapaport.
The previous two films garnered significant acclaim in Israel, drawing diverse audiences during the pandemic and periods of conflict, and appealing to both secular and religious viewers through a blend of humor and heartfelt drama. Tadmor attributed the decision to create a third film to the strong fan attachment to the characters, particularly Baruch and his fiancée Ruth, played by Niv Sultan. The new film explores their ongoing challenges as they attempt to finance their wedding and establish a home together.
Set largely in New York, the movie features comedic scenes including a memorable encounter where Baruch and his mentor, Malki (Irit Kaplan), navigate a street mugging with a mix of negotiation and cultural quirks. Tadmor noted that this sequence was inspired by a real-life incident involving a producer who was robbed by a man dressed as Spider-Man among costumed characters in Times Square.
The plot centers on Baruch’s financial struggles, complicated by Ruth’s family situation—her brother, portrayed by Eliyahu Shaki, has Down Syndrome, which affects their acceptance within haredi society. When Baruch learns of Michael Gerstel’s offer of $100,000 to anyone who can find the right match for his daughter Rivka (Naya Bienstock), he sees an opportunity to solve his wedding expenses. However, Gerstel’s expectations differ sharply from those of Baruch’s world; the billionaire father seeks a son-in-law who can eventually lead his business, recognizing in Baruch a street-smart integrity shaped by adversity.
The film weaves romantic and comedic elements with dramatic tension, including a subplot in which Ruth is pursued by a former boyfriend, injecting unexpected twists into the narrative. Tadmor emphasized his preference for stories that blend seriousness with humor, diverging from traditional romantic-comedy formulas.
Tadmor developed the screenplay alongside Hava Divon, co-creator of the Israeli television series *Srugim*, and Yaki Reisner, a producer and writer from an ultra-Orthodox Litvak family. The collaboration reflects a mix of perspectives, with Tadmor himself identifying as secular. He acknowledged that the widespread success of the first *Matchmaking* film, which overcame skepticism about whether a movie centered on haredi life could engage broad audiences, was a surprising breakthrough.
The director, known for his diverse filmography—including co-directing the critically recognized *Strangers* and the drama *Soda*—has produced a new Israel-centered film nearly every year. Through the *Matchmaking* trilogy, Tadmor has gained deeper insight into ultra-Orthodox communities, portraying their supportive aspects alongside societal challenges, such as stigmas around intellectual disabilities and intra-communal dynamics.
Although Tadmor noted ongoing debates in Israel regarding the military draft of haredim, he did not anticipate these controversies would impact the new film’s reception. Looking ahead, he revealed that work is already underway on a fourth *Matchmaking* film, promising continued exploration of the characters and themes that have resonated with Israeli audiences. Meanwhile, Tadmor remains engaged in other projects, including a documentary about Iranian women, underscoring his active presence in the Israeli film industry.