"Disobedience" - Film Review
There is something simultaneously exciting and terrifying about relationships that have unfinished stories. A potential that is untapped and, at least until the two people meet again, the possibilities are tantalizing. Such is the case in Sebastián Lelio’s Disobedience, based on the 2006 novel of the same name.
Ronit Krushka (Rachel Weisz) was raised in a Jewish Orthodox community in North London by her father, Anton Lesser (Rav Krushka), who is a rabbi. Ronit grows up, moves away to New York City, and eventually becomes estranged from her father. She receives a call from her childhood friend Dovid (Dovid Kuperman), who tells her that her father has passed away and asks her to come home to pay her respects. When she returns to North London, Ronit discovers that her father left all of his estate to his synagogue and that his obituary states that he passed away with no children. Because her childhood home belongs to the synagogue, Dovid and his wife Esti (Rachel McAdams) invite Ronit to stay in a room in their home.
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From the moment Ronit sees Esti again, the audience can tell there is something unresolved between the two of them. It turns out to be a childhood romance that never died, a crackling chemistry that steals the focus of the movie. It is refreshing to see the agency being given to Esti. In most movies, a woman who was living a deeply orthodox life would not usually be given a voice to want things, especially to want another woman. Esti tells Ronit that she is a lesbian and that she was the one who pushed Dovid to call Ronit because she was desperate to see her again. It is Esti who makes the first move by kissing Ronit. It’s lovely to see a woman like Esti, who has given up so much of herself, finally allowed to feel free, knowing it is her choice to do so. McAdams is a delight, a criminally underappreciated actor whose nuanced performance is what elevates this movie beyond a simple romantic, religious drama.
Disobedience is a new take on star-crossed lovers, and, unfortunately, one that doesn’t quite stick the landing. It’s a fascinating rumination on the intersections of free will and religion through a love story that never got to see its full potential. Even now, when Esti and Ronit are given a second chance, it’s not a fair chance. Despite the fact that both of them are interested in having a romantic relationship with one another, the whole thing ends with a whimper. The saddest part of all may be that the audience is never given a solid reason as to why these people cannot at least try to be together. Disobedience lets all of this potential and hope pass by without a fight, and in doing, squanders a compelling premise.
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