Sebastián Lelio’s English language debut “Disobedience” is a passion-fueled romance that tells the story of forbidden love between two women. Rachel Weisz and Alessandro Nivola reunite and join Rachel McAdams in a film that explores the clash between religion and same-sex relationships. The film made $241K (£178K) when it debuted in five cinemas across New York and Los Angeles and grossed a worldwide total of $7.9 million (£5.8 million). “Disobedience” had its world premiere on September 10th 2017 at TIFF before opening in the U.S. in April 2018.
When Ronit Krushka learns of her father’s death, she flies home to the UK and returns to the Orthodox Jewish community — a community that shunned her decades prior for her attraction to a female childhood friend (Rachel McAdams). Once back, a fiery romance reignites between these two women as they explore faith and sexuality.
Strong Performances by Weisz and McAdams, and Terrific Chemistry
Weisz and McAdams both give strong performances, and their chemistry is electric. Alessandro Nivola, who plays McAdams’ husband, delivers a powerful performance, and bestows an intense monologue towards the film’s end. Weisz also does a great job showing how Ronit’s father’s death affects her. After she’s notified, Ronit is shown taking part in things that one would normally see as enjoyable (ice skating, drinking, and sex) but Lelio makes sure to show viewers that Ronit takes no pleasure in these acts; the death almost numbs Ronit entirely. The story of forbidden love is something that’s been done many times before; however here Sebastián Lelio manages to give viewers a composed, contemporary film that explores complex themes. “Disobedience” goes into the fact that sometimes, within these communities, religion is almost institutionalised, and it’s the only way these people know how to live.
Sebastián Lelio brings viewers a fiery, passionate, and unique love story.”
The Chilean director also explores the idea of freedom and how love can set you free — as shown in the relationship between Esti and Ronit. At one point, Esti even asks Dovid (Nivola), her husband, for her freedom in an emotional proclamation. Matthew Herbert’s score is a mixed batch; at some points, it works in harmony with the film, but other times it feels a bit too whimsical. Lelio includes a fervent sex scene featuring Weisz and McAdams that doesn’t feel exploitative or voyeuristic. The scene also adds a sense of realism to the film because it doesn’t solely appeal to the male gaze; it features limited nudity and doesn’t display either actress in dramatic positions.
Alessandro Nivola and Rachel McAdams in “Disobedience.” (Photo credit: Braven Films).
A Unique Love Story with Writing, Visuals, and Themes to Match
Not only does Lelio direct “Disobedience,” but the acclaimed director also pens the script alongside Rebecca Lenkiewicz (“Colette,” “Small Axe“). They bring Naomi Alderman’s novel to the screen in a way that allows the cast to embody their characters incredibly well. Lelio shows viewers how different people and beliefs deal with death. “Disobedience” is probably one of the more artistic lesbian romantic dramas to come out in recent years, sitting on the same level as films like “Portrait of A Lady on Fire” and “Carol.”
Overall, Sebastián Lelio brings viewers a fiery, passionate, and unique love story. It tells the story of forbidden love, freedom, and death with impressive visuals, a well-penned script, and entrancing performances. Lelio keeps viewers engages by limiting the film to a 114-minute runtime; he balances the ramifications of a family death as well as the lack of correlation between religion and LGBTQ relationships.
“Disobedience” is currently available to stream on Hulu and rent on Apple TV.
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