This is a drama set in the picturesque city of Safed, Israel. It never digresses into being a travelogue, which I almost wish it had because Safed is an under-filmed location. The plot concerns a married couple and how they react to strains on their marriage. Jewish religious law is a constant factor, and we're continually reminded that the community we see includes a lot of people who weren't always religiously observant. They know there's another lifestyle, but they left it behind. It's a pleasant change to see some people who do not consider Orthodox Judaism an oppressive burden, in contrast to the message implied by many other movies and TV productions.
The lion's share of the film focuses on the wife, played by Mili Eshet, whose slightly bulbous eyes give an impression of sensitivity that binds the audience to her-- although of course there's also, and especially, the lighting, the music, the timing, and above all the acting to keep the audience in thrall; and they all do the job. The audience is drawn along through some lessons in Jewish laws and customs that come across clearly and without disturbing the suspense.
The actor playing the husband seems to have a tougher job, because the husband is not a communicative fellow. I didn't so much feel my heart going out to him, although I'm a husband myself, and the parts of the script that focused on him seemed less compelling.
By the time the movie is over, the husband and wife have both gone through changes of attitude and the problem at the movie's core has been viewed from a number of angles, as befits a movie written by a rabbi. I hope that Barren receives wide distribution.
