MOVIE REVIEW
June Zero
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Genre: Drama, History
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Jake Paltrow
Writer(s): Jake Paltrow, Tom Shoval
Cast: Noam Ovadia, Tzahi Grad, Yoav Levi, Tom Hagi, Joy Rieger, Ami Smolarchik, Rotem Kainan, Adam Gabai, Koby Aderet
Where To Watch: opening in New York City on June 28, 2024, and Los Angeles on July 5. Additional screenings here: www.cohenmedia.net

RAVING REVIEW: Jake Paltrow’s JUNE ZERO revisits a critical chapter in history through a creative and resonant lens, intertwining the lives of three characters around the history-changing trial of Adolf Eichmann. Set in the 1960s, this film uses its historical backdrop to delve into the diverse experiences within the Jewish communities in Israel, affected by the trial’s ripple effects.

David, a young Libyan immigrant, faces the harsh realities of discrimination despite the common religious ties that bind him to his new homeland. His struggles are depicted with an undercurrent of youthful optimism, portrayed by Noam Ovadia, though the film occasionally misses more profound narrative opportunities, resorting instead to familiar stereotypes. Hayim (Yoav Levi), the Moroccan correctional officer, embodies the tension and paranoia of his role, tasked with guarding Eichmann—a character study in suspense, amplified by intensity within the setting and visuals of the film. Micha (Tom Hagi,) returning to the Warsaw ghetto, confronts his haunting past, bringing a somber tone to his portrayal, beautifully captured through poignant cinematography that speaks volumes of the desolation and loss he revisits.

Shooting on Super 16mm film, Paltrow adds a gritty, authentic feel to JUNE ZERO, anchoring its historical narrative in a tangible reality while steering clear of more cliched expectations of the era. By shifting focus to the periphery of the central historical event, the film presents a tapestry of personal stories, each shedding light on different facets of Eichmann’s trial’s impact on Jewish identity.

The film explores themes of trauma and memory, weaving the characters' disparate yet intertwined experiences into a collective narrative of historical trauma and resilience. However, JUNE ZERO sometimes struggles, specifically with the transitions between its tones throughout the film, which can be jarring. The script sometimes leans too heavily on melodrama, detracting from its overall impact.

In addition to the primary characters, JUNE ZERO's supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, enriching the storyline with their diverse perspectives and reactions to the historical events around them. The interactions between the characters reveal the broader societal impacts of Eichmann's trial, showing how it resonated across different layers of society. These moments are captured subtly, making the minor roles memorable and significant to the film’s emotional resonance.

The soundtrack of JUNE ZERO, composed with a keen sense of the period, plays a pivotal role in setting the film's tone. The music transitions seamlessly from haunting melodies that underscore the sad moments to more robust, dramatic scores that enhance the scenes of tension and uncertainty. This auditory backdrop not only enriches the visual experience but also deepens the emotional impact, subtly guiding the audience through the complex layers of the narrative.

JUNE ZERO offers a layered exploration of how monumental events shape personal and collective histories. Its strengths lie in solid performances and a unique narrative approach that brings the past palpably to life, ensuring that the importance of remembering and understanding history through personal stories is both felt and understood.

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[photo courtesy of COHEN MEDIA GROUP]

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