Disobedience (2018)

Disobedience Poster

A woman learns about the death of her Orthodox Jewish father, a rabbi. She returns home and has romantic feelings rekindled for her best childhood friend, who is now married to her cousin.

Film Overview
"Disobedience" is a drama-romance movie released in 2018 by director Sebastián Lelio. The film is based upon the 2006 novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman. It checks out styles of faith, liberty, and sexuality with the background of a rigorous Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in London. The movie stars Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola in popular roles.

Plot Summary
The story focuses around Ronit (Rachel Weisz), a non-practicing Orthodox Jew, who returns to her home in London after her father's death. Her dad, a revered Rabbi, had earlier disowned her following a scandalous occurrence involving her and Esti (Rachel McAdams), a childhood pal. On returning, Ronit faces the cold reception of her austere community, and the ardency of her unextinguished romantic feelings for Esti.

Ronit discovers that Esti, who is exposed to be a closet lesbian, is now married to their mutual buddy, Dovid (Alessandro Nivola), a devoted follower of their faith aspiring to be the next Rabbi. Esti, regardless of her marital relationship, still harbors sensations for Ronit. The two ladies engage in a forbidden love affair, triggering tension and distress within their spiritual community.

Important Analysis and Themes
"Disobedience" delicately takes a look at the elaborate clash between the rigid structures of an Orthodox spiritual neighborhood and private desires. Both Ronit and Esti struggle to reconcile their love with the expectations and strictures of their faith, presenting an intricate look at love, faith, and the struggle for individual liberty.

The movie likewise explores the principle of 'disobedience' in regards to tough societal standards, putting individual happiness over imposed duties, and rebelling against restrictive customs. It is an assertion of individuality and non-conformity, addressing sexuality and love, which are considered taboo within their spiritual neighborhood, and displaying their high individual expense due to this.

Reception
"Disobedience" got usually beneficial reviews, with the performances of Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams drawing appreciation. The movie was hailed for its respectful exploration of a closed society and the powerful portrayal of a lesbian relationship within it. Critics applauded the movie's thoughtful pacing, smart discussion, and the genuine representation of human emotions, while its intricate story of faith versus personal desires was considered compelling.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Disobedience" is a movie about love, faith, and disobedience versus social standards. It expertly highlights the challenges dealt with by two ladies who strive to keep their love within a society that forbids it and questions developed norms and social constructs versus individual enthusiasms while challenging the demanding conformity of spiritual communities.

Top Cast

  • Rachel Weisz (small)
    Rachel Weisz
    Ronit Krushka
  • Rachel McAdams (small)
    Rachel McAdams
    Esti Kuperman
  • Alessandro Nivola (small)
    Alessandro Nivola
    Dovid Kuperman
  • Allan Corduner (small)
    Allan Corduner
    Moshe Hartog
  • Anton Lesser (small)
    Anton Lesser
    Rav Krushka
  • Nicholas Woodeson (small)
    Nicholas Woodeson
    Rabbi Goldfarb
  • David Fleeshman (small)
    David Fleeshman
    Yosef Kirschbaum
  • Steve Furst (small)
    Steve Furst
    Dr. Gideon Rigler
  • Trevor Allan Davies (small)
    Trevor Allan Davies
    Tattooed Man
  • Sophia Brown (small)
    Sophia Brown
    Photographic Studio Assistant
  • Anthony Dowding (small)
    Anthony Dowding
    Man in Bar