Current reviews-2

  Aharon is divorced and has stopped working to devote himself to being the full time caregiver for his autistic son Uri. No longer a child, Uri is entering adulthood, and his mother thinks that it’s time to consider whether Yuri would be better served living in an institution where he could receive guidance toward more independent living. Aharon doesn’t believes that anyone will understand his son and his needs like his father does and he wishes to continue as his full-time custodian. Facing mounting pressure from his ex-wife and a social worker, he very sadly and reluctantly agrees to deliver Uri to the place they have selected for him, to at least give it a tryout.

_________

    Well not only is Uri not a little boy anymore, he is in fact a beanpole, well over 6 feet tall. When they’re changing trains Uri decides that he wants to return home and it’s quite the scene when this  towering young man throws a tantrum. Aharon more than has his hands full, but when he finally calms Uri down, he decides that they will run away together. At this point the film becomes a road movie, filled with adventure, more than a little humour and of course, and not surprisingly, yet more drama. While there are a few other characters in the film it is mainly a two-hander for much of the time. The acting is excellent across the board, but especially that of Shai Avivi as Aharon and Noam Imber playing Uri. For the first minutes of the film I wondered if I was watching a documentary, so convincing was Noam’s portrayal of the autistic lad. He must have really done his research to deliver such a wonderful and sensitive performance here.

__________

 This is a movie about parental love, about change, and separation; about letting go and moving on. This is a beautiful film that should be high on your list of ‘must watches’ at VIFF 2020. It’s great entertainment, and a very rewarding 94 minutes that will also touch and move you.