English summary

Language spoken: English | Subtitles: Dutch

“Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams are impressive in this strong love story”

Years earlier Ronit (Rachel Weisz) was exiled from her Orthodox Jewish community in London due to her sexual orientation. She went on to lead an unfettered life in New York without ever giving her roots a second thought. Out of the blue she learns that her father, an important rabbi, has died. When she returns for his funeral the welcome she receives is far from warm.

The community is particularly concerned about Esti (Rachel McAdams), Ronit’s childhood friend. Esti has married a man from the community and is suppressing her sexuality. When the two woman meet, their passions are reignited, and they find themselves exploring the limits of their faith and sexuality.

The theme to which Director Sebastián Lelio consistently returns in his films is that of the protagonist who (no longer) fits in the milieu to which he or she belongs  (Gloria, A Fantastic Woman). In this drama we see the clash of love and tradition. The film shows how disobedience can be an act that demands a huge amount of effort.