A Critique of Human Condition

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Future
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Genre: Action, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Noam Kaplan
Writer(s): Noam Kaplan
Cast: Reymonde Amsellem, Samar Qupty, Dar Zuzovsky, Aviva Ger, Salwa Nakkara, Anat Barzilai
Language: Hebrew, Arabic with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Prepare for a world where suspense and humanity collide in a riveting spectacle—THE FUTURE. This story brings us into the thrills of a mystery and the depths of human emotion. Noam Kaplan, the mind behind this film, weaves a tale that encapsulates the reality of Israeli politics and introspective dilemmas. This narrative echoes in your mind after the last frame.

Dr. Bloch is at the heart of THE FUTURE, played to perfection with remarkable depth by Reymonde Amsellem. As a criminal profiler who is somewhat of a celebrity in their field, and an algorithm expert, she's caught in a whirlwind of a complex political assassination conspiracy. It's like watching a high-wire act with no net, never knowing what the next step will bring.

Enhancing the narrative are two formidable characters, portrayed by Samar Qupty (Yafa) and Dar Zuzovsky (Maor.) They cross paths with Dr. Bloch, revealing layers of her life that you wouldn’t have suspected would be, and in doing so, find their realities vigorously tested. The film's entire cast was remarkable, although I would have liked to have seen more character-building around each of their stories.

THE FUTURE, a praiseworthy production by Gum Films' Yoav Roeh and Aurit Zamir, already bears the stamp of approval at various esteemed platforms, including the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab, Jerusalem Film Festival, and the Sarajevo Film Festival's CineLink. In addition, it enjoys the backing of The Israel Film Fund and Mifal Hapais.

But make no mistake; THE FUTURE isn't your average detective tale. It’s a journey that plunges into the characters' psychological crevices, exposing their wounds, ambitions, and fears. It intricately threads motherhood, individual desires, and heavy political uncertainty into a riveting cinematic narrative.

As the director of this fascinating universe, Noam Kaplan blends the borders between the real and the imagined. He infuses everyday items and happenings, like the teeming streets of Jerusalem, with profound symbolic relevance, provoking audiences to reconsider their grasp of reality.

Jerusalem, in all emotional chaos, is a pulsating backdrop. It embodies the dichotomy of constant evolution and persistent stagnation. The confined locales are the stages where characters confront personal and societal trials. This style allows the film to become part of its surroundings.

Navigating a complicated web of themes like death, time, love, and motherhood, THE FUTURE brings them to life as the film's focus and how the characters are forced to navigate around them. The film is heavily dialogue-driven, but its essence lies in the resilience of these women wading through a reality filled with pain, absurdity, fleeting beauty, humor, and empathy. Their stories provide a genuine link to the region's geopolitical setting.

The film itself is stunning; taking the surrounding world pulls you into the story visually. The editing let the otherwise slow-burn story move along at a quicker pace than I expected; it seemed as though I was watching the film through the eyes of one of the characters who knew what to look at when it would serve me the best.

THE FUTURE dares to question its characters' realities and urges viewers to challenge their perceptions. As a critique of the human condition set against Israel's vibrant and intricate political tapestry, it offers a cinematic journey, leaving you with lingering thoughts and deep reflections.

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[photo courtesy of GUM FILMS/BRIGHT IRIS FILMS]