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Orthodox is a 2015 independent drama film set in the Orthodox Jewish community in London. The film follows the story of Benjamin, played by Oliver Woollford, a young Orthodox Jewish man who turns to boxing as a means of making a living and separating himself from his religious community. Benjamin is not just any young man, he is a former prodigy of Jewish learning but was kicked out of his Yeshiva just before his bar mitzvah due to his father's death that resulted in him owing his life to the crime lord of the community, who then made him into his protégé. As his earnings are not enough, Benjamin decides to leave the life of crime behind and finds an opportunity in his old hobby- boxing.

The film opens with Benjamin, still fresh and young, learning the ropes of boxing at his local gym with the help of his trainer and mentor, gym owner, and former boxer Shannon played by Michael Smiley. The audience is taken on a journey of Benjamin's life as he begins his career as a boxer while estranging himself from his former community.

The obstacle that Benjamin faces is not just to adjust to life outside the community but also to balance his obligations to the crime lord and the moral values that his religion taught him. He makes difficult choices while trying to set his life straight, and the film portrays the struggles he faces in a very honest and raw way.

The character of Benjamin is well-developed with Woolford doing a remarkable job of bringing out the vulnerability and torment of his character. Benjamin is not boxed into any particular character trope, and his journey and emotions feel real and relatable. As he struggles to make sense of his new world and himself, the audience can't help but feel empathetic towards him.

Stephen Graham stars as the antagonist of the film, the crime lord and Benjamin's boss. Graham's performance is chilling, and the coldness of his character is a stark contrast to Benjamin's vulnerability. The two create an interesting dynamic, which forces the audience to question if Benjamin is truly free from his past as much as he thinks he is.

The film also does an excellent job of highlighting the intricacies of the Orthodox Jewish community. With a sense of authenticity, the audience gets a glimpse of life inside the community, the traditions, and the expectations that come with being a part of it. It also portrays the conflict of tradition versus modernization and the price of conformity.

Orthodox is a slow-burner of a film, but the pacing is fitting for the story. It allows the audience to really connect with the characters and the emotional journey that they undertake. The fight sequences are also well-crafted, and the film pulls no punches when it comes to the gritty reality of the boxing world.

Overall, Orthodox is a well-written and well-acted film that showcases the struggles of a young man trying to find his place in the world. It is especially interesting in its portrayals of the Orthodox Jewish community, which makes it unique in terms of subject matter. The ending is bittersweet, but it makes perfect sense, and the film leaves a lasting impression.

Orthodox is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.