Disobedience Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rebellious photographer comes home for her dad’s funeral and accidentally reignites a forbidden romance with her childhood friend, who is now married to a nice-but-clueless guy, leading to some serious wig-related drama.

🍿 Disobedience: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ronit’s Return

Ronit Krushka, a photographer living in New York, returns to her Orthodox Jewish community in London after the death of her estranged father, a respected rabbi. Her arrival is met with mixed reactions, as she had left the community years prior due to her rebellious nature. She is hosted by Dovid, her childhood friend and the rabbi’s protege, and his wife Esti.

Reignited Passions

Ronit is shocked to find that Dovid is married to Esti, another childhood friend. It quickly becomes apparent that Ronit and Esti share a complicated past, hinting at a previous romantic relationship that was frowned upon by the community. As they reconnect, suppressed feelings resurface, creating tension and conflict within the trio.

Confrontation and Choice

The rekindled romance leads to a passionate encounter between Ronit and Esti, further complicating their lives. Esti, torn between her love for Ronit, her duty to her husband, and her faith, grapples with difficult choices. The community’s disapproval and the weight of their traditions add further pressure, forcing them to confront their desires and the consequences of their actions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ronit Krushka (Rachel Weisz): A rebellious photographer who returns to her Orthodox Jewish community after her father’s death, rekindling a forbidden love.
• Esti Kuperman (Rachel McAdams): A married woman within the Orthodox community who grapples with her repressed desires and rekindled feelings for Ronit.
• Dovid Kuperman (Alessandro Nivola): Esti’s husband and a respected figure in the Orthodox community, torn between his faith and his love for his wife.
• Rav Krushka (Anton Lesser): The recently deceased Rabbi whose death brings his estranged daughter, Ronit, back to the community.
• Moshe Hartog (Allan Corduner): Ronit’s uncle, who is a wigmaker and a traditional member of the Orthodox Jewish community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ronit: “Do you think I should go back early?” – Ronit asks Esti about leaving, hinting at her internal conflict and desire to stay connected.
• Esti: “No… no. No, I don’t think you should leave at all.” – Esti responds, revealing her deep longing for Ronit to remain in her life.
• Dovid: “You are free. You are free to choose.” – Dovid acknowledges Esti’s right to choose her own path, challenging the community’s expectations.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,498,782
• Worldwide Gross: $8,003,180

💥 Disobedience Reviews

Personal Review

I was really moved by Disobedience. The movie got me thinking about how we navigate love and obligation, especially when they clash. The scene where Ronit and Esti finally reconnect in the hotel room felt so raw and honest, it gave me chills. Alessandro Nivola’s performance as Dovid was unexpectedly heartbreaking; I really felt for him. It is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on personal choices and societal expectations.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ themed stories”
  • “Those seeking thought-provoking dramas about faith and identity”
  • “Audiences who enjoy character-driven narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Explicit sexual content”
  • “Mature themes related to religion and sexuality”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Disobedience is a visually striking film, with strong performances from Weisz and McAdams. It delves into themes of faith, sexuality, and community with a nuanced approach, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch despite its deliberate pacing. The movie explores the complexities of identity and belonging.
• Variety: “Sebastián Lelio’s direction is subtle yet powerful, drawing out the inner turmoil of the characters with grace. While the plot unfolds slowly, the emotional intensity builds steadily, culminating in a poignant exploration of freedom and self-discovery. The movie is definitely worth your time.
• The Guardian: “Disobedience is a beautifully acted and intelligently crafted drama that tackles complex issues with sensitivity. The film avoids easy answers, offering a nuanced portrayal of a community grappling with tradition and change.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams was undeniable and really brought the story to life.: Viewers consistently praised the stellar acting performances, particularly the chemistry and depth portrayed by the lead actresses.

The movie respectfully explored a complex religious community without resorting to stereotypes.: Many appreciated the film’s nuanced portrayal of Orthodox Jewish life, avoiding simplistic judgments and offering a balanced perspective.

Overall Consensus: Disobedience is a well-acted and thought-provoking drama that explores themes of faith, sexuality, and freedom, though its slow pace may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman.”
• “Director Sebastián Lelio also directed ‘A Fantastic Woman,’ which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2018.”
• “The intimate scenes between Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams were handled with sensitivity and care to authentically portray the characters’ emotions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Disobedience?

Disobedience is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video (with a subscription or for purchase), Apple TV, and through other digital retailers. Check your local listings for availability. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Disobedience, you might like these similar films:

• Carol (2015): Both films explore forbidden love between women in restrictive social environments.
• Brokeback Mountain (2005): Deals with repressed homosexual desires within a conservative community and the tragic consequences.
• A Secret Love (2020): A documentary about a decades-long lesbian relationship kept hidden due to societal pressures, resonating with Disobedience’s themes.
• Yentl (1983): Involves a woman challenging gender roles within a Jewish community, though in a different context.

🛒 Disobedience Related Products

• Naomi Alderman’s Disobedience Novel: Delve deeper into the original story with Naomi Alderman’s acclaimed novel that inspired the film. Explore the characters’ inner lives and the nuances of their relationships in greater detail.
• Rachel Weisz Film Collection [DVD]: Own a curated collection of Rachel Weisz’s most memorable performances on [DVD/Blu-ray]. Relive her captivating roles and enjoy bonus content.
• Orthodox Jewish Community Life Documentary: Gain deeper insights into the traditions and daily life within an Orthodox Jewish community with this documentary film. Understand cultural context that influences the story.
• Inspired Scent ‘Disobedience’: Capture essence of movie with this unique scent with bergamot, myrrh and sandalwood that reflects the movie’s central themes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Disobedience features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Last Beat” – performed by Matthew Herbert

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Disobedience reviewed by Mark Kermode

Ever wondered what a top film critic thinks about ‘Disobedience’? Mark Kermode breaks it down in this review, and whether you agree with him or not, it’s a super interesting perspective to consider!

✨ Rate