Disobedience

Disobedience is a beautifully crafted drama movie of forbidden love, guilt, and the complexities of the Jewish community. Directed by Sebastián Lelio, the movie was released in 2017 and stars Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola.

The story revolves around Ronit Krushka (Rachel Weisz), a successful photographer living in New York, who returns to her orthodox Jewish community in London after the death of her father, a prominent rabbi. As soon as she arrives in the town where she grew up, Ronit finds herself struggling to confront the people and traditions that she had purposefully left behind. Her relationship with her father had soured long before, and she had never reconciled with her community's values after falling in love with a woman as a teenager.

Ronit quickly discovers that a lot has changed since she left. Her old friends Dovid Kuperman (Alessandro Nivola) and Esti (Rachel McAdams) have now married each other, and Dovid is on the path to take over her father's position as the community's rabbi. Esti and Ronit were once in love, but their relationship was discouraged, and they were forcibly separated.

As Ronit tries to get accustomed to the life she left behind, she finds solace in rekindling her relationship with Dovid, but soon it becomes clear that her affection lies with Esti. As their initial suspicions about their desires are confirmed, they realize that they must confront their feelings, and the consequences that come with them. Their forbidden relationship is not only against their faith and families but also jeopardizes Dovid's career and the community's stability.

Disobedience is a powerful tale of love and sacrifice. The film is successful in its portrayal of the complex interplay of faith, love, and desire within the orthodox Jewish community. The movie's pace allows the viewers to delve into the intricacies of the plot without feeling rushed or bored. The excellent cinematography adds another layer of depth to the characters, capturing the essence of life in an Orthodox Jewish community as well as Ronit's journey of self-discovery.

Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams give stellar performances in their roles, with a passion that ignites the screen. We see Ronit struggle, trying to reconcile with the past’s guilt, while Esti is the quiet strength of someone who knows she has to follow what her heart desires. Both actresses captivate the viewer with their performances, and their on-screen chemistry is authentic and moving.

Alessandro Nivola also delivers an impressive performance as Dovid Kuperman, the rabbi who Ronit and Esti both love. Nivola brings depth to his character, expressing the weight of his responsibilities, torn between religious duty, friendship, and love.

Disobedience is a movie that does not shy away from depicting the complex issues of faith, homosexuality, and politics that arise within the Orthodox Jewish community. The movie portrays how the community's strict interpretation of the religious codes severely impacts its members and how the constant struggle between self-expression and adherence to tradition can cause unrepairable damage to life-long relationships.

In conclusion, Disobedience is a gripping, emotional drama that tells a story of self-discovery, forbidden love, and accepting one's true self without compromising personal beliefs. The expert direction of Sebastián Lelio, the stunning performances from the cast, and thoughtful cinematography make the film a worthy addition to any viewer's collection. This movie is a must-watch for anyone looking for a powerful story that questions orthodox beliefs and showcases the strength of the human spirit.