The Burial Society

2002 Mystery & Suspense

Directed by Nicholas Racz, The Burial Society revolves around the life of Sheldon Kasner, whose existence, as of late, has turned to one of quiet desperation. His workload is increasing as his compensation for it continues to dwindle, and Sheldon understandably falls into a deep depression. Despite being a highly unlikely candidate for organized crime, he is drawn into a complicit money-laundering scam that doesn't run as smoothly as planned. With a two-million-dollar debt on his hands, Sheldon concocts a sophisticated scheme: staging his own death with the help of the Chevrah Kadisha, or the "Burial Society," an anonymous, mysterious group of devout Jewish men who have dedicated themselves to preparing bodies for their final resting place. Unbeknownst to Sheldon, the Burial Society sees the inept businessman as the only hope for the survival of their tradition. As they indoctrinate him into their eccentric, ritualistic world, Sheldon believes his life is slowly getting back on track; however, the men of the Burial Society may have something else in mind for him. more..

Director: Nicholas Racz

Starring: Rob LaBelle, Jan Rubes, Allan Rich, Bill Meilen, David Paymer

Reviews

  • The gimmicky nature of the flashbacks weakens the story and lessens the film's suspense. Nevertheless, The Burial Society is a clever, spiritual film that argues that God sees all and, what's more, he's always right.

    - Los Angeles Times

    27 April 2013

  • This non-secular variation on "The Usual Suspects" falls prey to a creeping structural rigor mortis that sets in early.

    Michael Rechtshaffen - The Hollywood Reporter

    27 April 2013

  • Screen chemistry and production crackle are lacking from this "Usual Suspects" wannabe.

    - Variety

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Feature Length Drama: Best Production Design

    Leo Awards (2003)

  • Nicholas Racz

    Louisville Jewish Film Festival (2004)

  • Danny Nowak

    Milan International Film Festival (I) (2003)

  • Nicholas Racz

    Nanaimo inFEST Film Festival (2002)

  • Nicholas Racz

    New Orleans Film Festival (2003)