Unorthodox

Unorthodox is a thrilling and captivating mini-series that debuted on Netflix in 2020. Inspired by Deborah Feldman's autobiography "Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots," the series provides a bold and thought-provoking narrative that explores the confines of the strict orthodox communities alongside the prospects of self-liberation and personal discovery.

The multi-dimensional show hinges on the enticing story of Esty Shapiro, played by Shira Haas, a 19-year-old woman born and raised in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. Reeling under the weight of her religious obligations and societal expectations, Esty, questioning the constraints of her stringent environment, decides to break away from the norm. She escapes to Berlin, Germany, a city that holds a paradoxical meaning for her, given the disturbing history it carries with respect to her Jewish ancestors. Berlin represents a world entirely alien to Esty, reflecting secularism and societal openness where she hopes to find herself amidst its cultural diversity and vibrant music scene. The show magnificently balances her desire for self-empowerment and the inevitable pull back to her roots.

Esty is not just stepping into a modern world, she is embarking upon a journey of self-discovery, challenging the deeply ingrained norms of her religious community. Alongside this journey, Unorthodox presents an illuminating view into the practices, traditions, rules, and culture of Hasidic Judaism, in a way that is enlightening and upsetting, but never disrespectful.

The innovative premise of Unorthodox strongly emerges through a non-linear narrative. The well-curated flashbacks ingeniously portray Esty's past and her experiences within the community - the formal and stifling teachings, her arranged marriage to Yanky Shapiro, and her struggle to fit into the preset mold of a devoted wife and mother. Simultaneously, the present takes the viewers through her escape and attempts to adjust to a world she’s never known, exploring the huge cultural shock and her desperation to find a new freedom and identity.

The brilliance of Unorthodox also lies in the exploration of multiple perspectives. The show digs deep into the psyche of not just Esty, but those who she leaves behind in Brooklyn, as well as the people she encounters in Berlin. Yanky, Esty’s husband, perfectly portrayed by Amit Rahav, is seen grappling between his loyalty toward the community and his confused feelings for the wife who has abandoned him. While he’s made to look for Esty and bring her back, his character beautifully evolves against the dramatic backdrop of the story.

The Netflix mini-series also excels in capturing the stark contrast between the two worlds - the insular, religious community in Brooklyn against the secular and liberated city of Berlin – both through narrative storytelling and stunning visual elements. This paints a fascinating picture of two different societies existing in the same era, yet feeling worlds apart.

A key strength of Unorthodox lies with its talented cast. Shira Haas, in particular, deserves high acclaim for her extraordinary rendition of Esty. Her performance is incredibly nuanced and powerful, perfectly capturing the transformation and conflicted emotions of her character. The rest of the ensemble cast, including Jeff Wilbusch and Amit Rahav, also deliver impactful performances that finely complement the intense storyline and its depth.

Furthermore, the authenticity of the series is reinforced by its staunch commitment to lingual accuracy. The actors' dialogue is primarily in Yiddish, reflecting the language of the characters' original community in Brooklyn. This adds a layer of realness, furthering the immersive experience for viewers.

Another notable aspect of Unorthodox deserves mention is its splendid music. The classical and contemporary music elements heighten the emotional undertones of the series, with a special underscore on Esty's ties to music and how it ultimately proves instrumental in her journey of self-expression and identity.

In conclusion, Unorthodox provides a compelling narrative filled with tension, drama, and emotion. It masterfully narrates a story of self-discovery and freedom, while offering respectful insight into a very particular religious community. Through captivating performances, impeccable direction, enchanting music, and tightly-woven storytelling, Unorthodox has left a memorable impression on the landscape of mini-series, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a deeply human and authentic series.