Mekimi (English Subtitled)

Mekimi is an intriguing, Hebrew-language Israeli drama series that was unleashed upon the screens in 2015. Released with English subtitles by Syndicado, the series is based on the popular autobiographical novel by Noa Yedlin. It commingles the thrust of intense drama, poignant human emotions, the quest for spiritual redemption, and the feverish reality of urban life in contemporary Israel. This delightfully addictive television series runs for a single season and consists of five well-crafted, carefully paced episodes that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The plot of Mekimi revolves around a woman named Alma, portrayed with absorbing intensity and emotional breadth by the talented actress Romi Aboulafia. Alma, a high-flying television personality and a well-known figure from the arena of popular culture, encounters a radical shift in her life path. As we delve into her life, we discover her intricate journey from being an elite television show host to experiencing a stark transition into a religiously observant Jewish woman. The show establishes this journey as a downward dig into her own psyche, while also keeping a stark focus on her relationships with others around her.

The introduction of Alma's hard-partying but incredibly understanding husband Ben, played by the gifted Yehuda Levi, adds another layer of emotional complexity to the story. His struggles to comprehend and accept Alma’s metamorphosis build up the palpable tension and human drama central to the series. Other fascinating characters include their friends, colleagues, and family members who collectively paint a vibrant – albeit gritty – picture of Tel Aviv life.

Mekimi stands out as a compelling portrayal of personal transformation and spiritual awakening set against the backdrop of bustling modern Israeli society. It brilliantly compares and contrasts these two vividly contrasting worlds – the glamour, freedom and superficiality of the media industry versus the austere, devout and introspective world of religious orthodoxy.

As we venture into the narrative, Mekimi challenges us to examine questions of faith, identity, love, and personal sacrifice. It makes us question what it means to truly belong - to a religion, to a community, or to oneself. The series accomplishes all this while taking a profoundly empathetic look at its characters, ensuring we're engaged not just in Alma's introspective journey, but also concerned about their relationships' evolutions.

Director Ram Nehari deserves kudos for his ability to spiritually contextualize the narrative within the societal dynamics of Israeli life, making Mekimi a show that hits home for many Israeli viewers while maintaining universal appeal due to its humanistic themes. By providing intimate glimpses of the local lifestyle and societal norms prevalent in Tel Aviv, he ensures that Mekimi is also an exploration of modern Israeli culture.

Accompanied by a score that brilliantly underpins the emotional gusts and troughs of the narrative, the series aesthetically explores the urban streets of Tel Aviv. Through sharp cinematography and distinct storytelling, the contrast between the secular cityscape and the more traditional Jewish neighborhoods is strikingly presented. The show grounds its spirituality not just in its narrative ideology, but also in its visual expression.

While Mekimi provides a captivating viewing experience for those interested in Israeli television, it also serves as a powerful study in character development and unconventional narrative structure for those interested in the art of serial storytelling. Romi Aboulafia’s intense portrayal and the absorbing character arcs make for a uniquely engaging television viewing experience, leaving us eager to uncover the rest of the story in this outstanding series.

Overall, Mekimi is an immersive televisual feast designed to engage, inspire, and provoke thought. It portrays the dramatic intersection of faith and reality, weaving a narrative that is as much about oneself as it is about society, inviting viewers to participate in the great human drama that unfolds with every episode. It is a must-watch for those seeking thought-provoking content that transcends cultural boundaries.