Next to Her

I am not going to summarize the plot as another reviewer has done so already. I will simply make a few comments so you will see the movie yourself. at first I thought that this was the usual difficult home situation movie like Monster Ball with the typical claustrophobic feeling I get from Israeli movies. The last few scenes made me think otherwise. Wait for it.

Secondly, the Hebrew title is a popular song that is played at the end of the movie. I translate the title as "You're my Night" but my Hebrew is crummy. The English title describes the movie better.

Both Liron Ben-Shlush and Dana Ivgy provide remarkable performances. Ben-Shlush portrays what was must have been a difficult family situation for her. For me, Dana Ivgy is the most remarkable performance. Until now, I have only seen Ivgy play bimbos in Israeli movies to date. As the autistic sister, I didn't recognize her until the credits. There's no Oscar for autism but this is better than Dustin Hoffman in Rainman.

This is a film about Chelli who is looking after her mentally challenged sister both are in their twenties. Chelli works as a security guard at a local school and so has to leave Gabby alone which is not a god idea. Their mother has remarried and seems to want to wash her hands of her past life and indeed the woes that it brought.

Then Chelli meets a supply teacher called Zohar and her life seems to improve but the bond that she has with her younger sister and the intimacy they share is going to be a problem for all going forward.

Now this is an extremely well made and acted film. There are scenes that some will find upsetting and there are themes that are somewhat dark. However, this is a very compelling and convincing portrayal of a very unusual situation. Filmed in Hebrew and running to 89 minutes; this is a film that trades on the twists so you may want to consider streaming or renting as an option. A film for people who like World Cinema for all the many shades of 'different' that it can bring.

"Next to Her" is a poignant drama which explores the emotion, bond, love, detestation, and sacrifice. Two sisters, one is mentally challenged and another one is taking care of her against all odds, surrendering her own freedom.

The director 'Asaf Korman' has done a great study of human emotions it is perfectly resounding on the screen. There might be certain uncomfortable scenes which can be little disturbing but succeeded in the depiction of the real life challenges and encounters.

The perfect cinematography enhances the beauty of grim life and the audience get connected with the emotions and sentiments.

The performances are top notch as the direction, lead actors have done it wonderfully and it is so convincing that you will be deeply immersed in their grief, sorrow and pleasure.

The bond between the sisters has been portrayed with sheer brilliance and it will linger with you long after watching the movie.

A Must Watch.