Ronit and Esti were childhood friends and young lovers but their Orthodox community forced them apart and Ronit left in disgrace and scandal, shunned by her Rabbi father. Years later, she returns upon his death and finds that her mere presence sets tongues wagging and old rumours flying. Esti is still there and has forged herself a new life within the boundaries of her religion. She is married to a mutual (male) friend and it isn’t terrible.
Old passions are reignited between Ronit (Rachel Weisz), who lives as a photographer in NYC, and Esti (Rachel McAdams), who wears a wig to cover her hair and has careful, kosher sex with her husband every Shabbat. But as good and devout 
as Esti’s present life is, even the memories of her past with Ronit are scorching enough to make everyone nervous. In their community, straight marriage is the only option, and it’s not so much an option as an obligation. Esti stayed, and conformed; Ronit left, and flourished, though she has all but abandoned her faith.
Disobedience isn’t graphic or specific of pointed. It goes about things in a rounder, softer way, nuzzling up to the subject and laying at its feet. This movie gives you two Rachels for the price of one, and they keep things on simmer for a really long time. On screen like they’re magnets; there’s an electric current between them that’s full of little zaps but no big surges. I really liked Weisz’s choices in particular, how she subtly plays with her hair, reminding us that hers is on display while Esti must cover hers up. And how the uncovering of hair then becomes an act of intimacy, a form of foreplay, a zap in the movie’s current. It’s not just sexual repression that bubbles over in Disobedience; religion and culture are enmeshed in this story. And while the cast does an admirable job of making this feel true, I’m not sure this is director Sebastián Lelio’s story to tell.
Weisz and McAdams communicate a lot through glances and silence. Lelio’s interpretation is a little literal for my taste, but the women here elevate the material and make it something special.
Great review. I’ve been wanting to see this one for a while. Thanks for the reminder.
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But I’m guessing Ant Man will happen first, because, you know, Paul Rudd. Love that guy!
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Me too. Who doesn’t though? He’s irresistible.
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Yes, it was at TIFF last year and didn’t make the cut, so it feels like it’s been on my list a rather long time!
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This randomly came to our 2nd run theater this week when I’m fairly sure we never had it before that. But I see it’s on DVD soon on Netflix, I’ll check it out. Great review!
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Yes same, very hard to track down.
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Thanks. I’ll add it to my list. It’s nice having reviews of movies that I certainly would miss.
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Looking forward to this one due to the Rachel’s alone. Glad to hear it was worth it. I think it’s streaming on the 17th so hopefully I will be able to check it out this month!
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Yes! Both Rachels! Thanks for introducing this one to me. Had not heard of it. Sounds very interesting.
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I always enjoy your reviews and, lazily, let them make the choices for the few movies I do see. This sounds like one I’ll seek out
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Interesting plot in this one. Will watch for it.
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Sound like an interesting watch–both Rachels are great actresses.
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I do remember reading about this one. It’s sad how religion can be used as a prison.
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After seeing the trailer sometime ago, I wondered how it will turn out. I am curious seeing it. There was a time when I never missed a Rachel Weisz movie. Thanks for the amazing review.
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