FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
NINA'S TRAGEDIES
Nadav (Aviv Elkabets), an awkward 14 year old, is deeply in love with
Nina (Ayelet July Zurer), his mother's younger and beautiful sister. Following her around and
peeping through her windows to get a closer look into her private life, Nadav
knows exactly what she's up to at all times and records her dramas, and his
emotional reactions, in his diary. The film's narration stems from this
journal, which gives director Savi Gabizon the ability to play with
storytelling and perspective.
Only recently married, Nina's husband is killed in a terrorist attack. Following the funeral, Nadav is asked by his mom to
move in with Nina to look after her while she mourns. For Nadav, this is a
dream come true. But as Nina slowly recovers, she begins to fall for another
man, and Nadav feels betrayed and vows never to speak to her again and
moves in with his recently divorced father.
Although beautifully shot and well acted, the real merit of the film lies in
the script. It is a story that isn't afraid to take chances and surprise the
audience at every turn. Even the most unexpected events ring true. One afternoon, Nadav's father picks his son up after school in a van
plastered with religious stickers and packed with fellow Hasids. Stopping
in front of a busy café in the center of Tel Aviv, the van begins to play
music and the Hasids all at once jump out into the street and begin an impromptu dance with the
onlookers. But the upbeat celebration suddenly turns sour for Nadav when Nina's lover
coincidentally appears.
Along with its quirky characters, the film creates a world that is emotionally complex, bringing
absurdist
humor into the tender moments and depth into the absurdity.
Because Nadav's 14-year-old impulses are honestly depicted without judgment, we trust his
coming of age, as well as his difficult reconciliation with his imperfect parents.
Caitlin Shamberg, former programming associate for the Mill Valley Film Festival
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