Disobedience

Synopsis

Disobedience, directed by Sebastián Lelio and starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, is a poignant drama that explores themes of love, faith, and the struggle for identity within the confines of tradition. Set in the insular Jewish community of North London, the story follows Ronit (Weisz), a woman who returns home after the death of her estranged father, a rabbi. Upon her return, she re-encounters Esti (McAdams), her childhood friend and former lover, now married to Ronit's childhood friend, David (Alessandro Nivola). Their rekindled relationship forces Ronit to confront her past choices and the oppressive expectations of her faith. With stunning performances and a delicate narrative, Disobedience invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of desire, societal norms, and the quest for personal freedom. The film gracefully balances emotional depth with a rich cultural backdrop, creating a compelling tale of forbidden love and the courage it takes to be true to oneself.

Cast

• 

  Rachel Weisz

  Ronit Krushka

• 

  Rachel McAdams

  Esti Kuperman

• 

  Alessandro Nivola

  Dovid Kuperman

• 

  Allan Corduner

  Moshe Hartog

• 

  Anton Lesser

  Rav Krushka

• 

  Nicholas Woodeson

  Rabbi Goldfarb

Reviews

Disobedience received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the film's profound exploration of contending themes of love, faith, and identity. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an admirable 84% approval rating, indicating that the majority of critics found merit in its storytelling and performances. The Guardian lauded the film, stating that it presents 'a compelling look at the conflicts that arise when personal desire clashes with rigid societal expectations.' The performances of Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams were highlighted as particularly powerful, with Indiewire proclaiming, 'This is one of those films that shows how love in the shadows can be innocent but can also cause complex anguish.' On IMDb, it holds a score of 6.6/10, reflecting a more mixed response from general audiences. Metacritic gives it a score of 74/100, signifying generally favorable reviews. Critics from Collider commented on the film's ability to evoke emotional resonance, saying, 'It’s a film that compels us to understand the nuanced nature of relationships and the societal traditions that bind them.' Overall, Disobedience is a well-crafted drama with strong performances and a deep emotional core, appealing to audiences interested in nuanced narratives.