'Sunday at Il Posto Accanto' Review: Lively Ode to Friendship, Food, and Resilience
- Romey Norton
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - September 26, 2025
Sunday at Il Posto Accanto – Seth Zvi Rosenfeld’s Lively Ode to Friendship, Food, and Resilience
Sunday at Il Posto Accanto, directed by acclaimed New York indie filmmaker Seth Zvi Rosenfeld, is a warm, funny, and at times chaotic portrait of community, friendship, and survival during one of the most uncertain moments in recent history. It's buzzing with character and a must-watch for fans of independent cinema.
Shot in just six days inside the real-life Italian restaurant Il Posto Accanto, nestled in Alphabet City, Rosenfeld’s film blurs the line between fiction and documentary. It’s a scrappy hybrid that blends seasoned actors, Danny Hoch, Victor Rasuk, and Judy Marte, with the real restaurant owners, Julio Pena and Beatrice Tosti di Valminuta, affectionately known as the “Empress of East Second Street.” The result is a film that feels fresh and alive, buzzing with the energy of New York’s indie spirit.
What is Sunday at II Posto Accanto about?
At its core, Sunday at Il Posto Accanto is a celebration of neighbourhood restaurants as more than places to eat. During the COVID-19 epidemic, when the restaurant industry was pushed to its breaking point, Il Posto Accanto became a safe place of resilience. Rosenfeld captures not just the strain of survival but also the humour, intimacy, and grit that keep such places at the heart of New York life.
Now, don’t worry when you hear and see the word pandemic, it isn’t the forefront of the film and won’t bring back awful memories. The pandemic hovers in the background, a reminder of how quickly normalcy can unravel. The juxtaposition of humour and hardship makes the film resonate well beyond its immediate setting.
The interplay between actors and non-actors is where Rosenfeld’s gamble pays off. Danny Hoch brings more comedy than expected due to his paranoia and urgency. Victor Rasuk is strong in his performance, and together the two have some honest conversations about their hopes and fears. Yet it’s Julio and Beatrice who steal the show. Their presence grounds the film, keeping it tethered to reality even as Rosenfeld’s script plays with fiction.
This approach isn’t without its risks. At times, the film’s structure wobbles, meandering like an unplanned conversation. The blend of documentary texture and narrative improvisation can feel uneven. But for me, it does work.
Rosenfeld thrives on authenticity, on the messy collision of cultures and personalities that make up urban America. Here, he strips filmmaking down to its essentials, relying on character, dialogue, and atmosphere rather than spectacle. It’s a risk that suits him, and the film feels like you’re amongst friends. It’s inviting, comforting, and might even make you hungry.
Is Sunday at II Posto Accanto worth watching?
Sunday at Il Posto Accanto is not a film for everyone. Viewers expecting sleek cinematography or tightly wound drama may find its looseness frustrating. But for those who value honesty and humour laced with humanity, this is a gem worth savouring. With themes of family, friends, community, overcoming fears and personal growth, this film has something and someone to relate to. I’ve also found the perfect place to go if I ever find myself in New York again.
With its mix of laughter, melancholy, and resilience, Rosenfeld’s latest film is a fitting tribute not just to Il Posto Accanto but to every restaurant that fought to keep its doors open through impossible times. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let this spirited slice of New York wash over you.
This film will premiere on Apple TV+ on October 1, with special screenings at the Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem on September 29 and 30.
Want more film reviews? Check out more content on our website Film Focus Online!
