MOOS

MOOS, set in a tight-knit Jewish enclave of Amsterdam, is an endearing comedy about following your far-fetched dreams. Moos, in her late 20s, takes care of her dad and hangs around the family fabric store singing tunes to her steam iron. Despite her cheerfully average appearance and no evident talent, Moos harbors a private ambition to be a musical actress. Then her childhood friend Sam comes home from the Israeli army, reminding her of the time when she still had passions. Moos summons up her courage and auditions secretly for a prestigious theater academy. Unsurprisingly, she’s rejected. But being inherently optimistic and encouraged (then seduced) by a handsome teacher, she takes a job at the theater cafeteria, hoping to get a break next time around. Trouble is bound to ensue when she pretends to her beloved father that she’s attending the school. Moos needs to untangle her relationships and figure out what’s important. Actress Jip Smit is a Barbra Streisand look-alike who makes MOOS delightful from start to finish. (In Dutch with subtitles) —B.B.