Disobedience (2017 film)

Disobedience
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Sebastián Lelio
Produced by
Screenplay by
Based on Disobedience
by Naomi Alderman
Starring
Music by Matthew Herbert
Cinematography Danny Cohen
Edited by Nathan Nugent
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
  • 10 September 2017 (2017-09-10) (TIFF)
  • 27 April 2018 (2018-04-27) (United States)
  • 30 November 2018 (2018-11-30) (United Kingdom)
Running time
 114 minutes
Country
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • United States
Language English
Budget $6 million[1]
Box office $6.7 million[2]

Disobedience is a 2017 drama film directed by Sebastián Lelio and written by Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz, based on the novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman. The film stars Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola. Set in North London, it tells the story of a woman who returns to the strict Orthodox Jewish community for her father's funeral after living in New York for many years, having been estranged from her father and ostracised by the community for a reason that becomes clearer as the story unfolds. The film was produced by Rachel Weisz, Ed Guiney and Frida Torresblanco.

Disobedience had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 10 September 2017. It was released in the United States on 27 April 2018 by Bleecker Street, and is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom on 30 November 2018 by Curzon Artificial Eye.

The film received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of Weisz, McAdams and Nivola, as well as Lelio's direction.

Plot

The old and ailing Rabbi Krushka succumbs to illness while delivering a sermon to his Orthodox Jewish congregation on the meaning and significance of free will. Ronit Krushka, the rabbi's estranged daughter, has been living and working in New York as a photographer for a number of years. Ronit receives a call from London, in the middle of a photo shoot, informing her that her father has passed away. After a night of drinking and a random sexual encounter, Ronit flies to London and arrives at the home of her childhood friend, Dovid Kuperman, a young rabbi and chosen disciple of Ronit's father.

Dovid's house is filled with other members of the congregation who are there to pay their respects for Rabbi Krushka. It's obvious that Ronit doesn't fit in, as she smokes cigarettes and behaves in a manner not conforming to Orthodox culture. Dovid is surprised by Ronit's visit and insists that she stay with him. They are joined by Esti, a childhood friend of both Dovid and Ronit, who is now Dovid's wife and a teacher at the local Jewish day school. Ronit is visibly shaken and inquires why she wasn't told about the marriage.

A few days later, Ronit visits her uncle, Moshe Hartog, to discuss the disposition of her father's house. To her surprise, Ronit's father has left all of his possessions (including his house) to the synagogue. Moshe provides Ronit with a set of keys to the house so that she can clear her personal items. Esti catches up with Ronit after spotting her on the street and accompanies her to the house. After reminiscing and looking through the house, Esti approaches Ronit and tenderly kisses her. Ronit initially resists, then reciprocates. At this point, Esti confesses that she was the one who contacted the congregation to notify Ronit about her father's death.

Walking home together, Esti explains to Ronit that she's not happy with her life with Dovid, but has chosen this life based on Rabbi Krushka's advice and her strong belief in "HaShem". Both admit to each other that neither has been with any other woman. However, while Ronit is implied to be bisexual, Esti admits she still only prefers women. On the way home, the pair stop off at a nearby park, the site of their first kiss. They begin to kiss and fondle each other but are spotted by another couple from the congregation. Esti walks away without being seen, but the couple identify Ronit. They ask Ronit if it was Esti they saw with her, and don't seem to believe Ronit when she denies it.

The next day, Esti is called into the headmistress' office after the couple deliver a complaint about Esti and Ronit's behavior. At the synagogue, Dovid is approached by a small group of men informing him that they would like him to take over Rabbi Krushka's duties. Dovid is also warned about Ronit, but he insists that he "keeps his house in order". Meanwhile, Ronit catches up with Esti, who says that "this can't go on any longer." Ronit tells Esti that she is leaving tomorrow, and suggests that they go someplace to be alone. The two of them sneak away to a downtown London hotel room for an evening of passionate love.

Dovid arrives home to find that both Esti and Ronit are absent. As he gets ready for bed, Esti arrives home and apologizes for being late. Dovid caresses Esti and tries to engage with her in sex, but Esti refuses. Next morning, Dovid tells Esti that the couple had made a formal complaint to him about her and Ronit's behaviour. Esti confesses that she had kissed Ronit. Later, as Ronit prepares to fly back to New York, she receives a call from Dovid to inform her that Esti has disappeared. After they set out to look for her, Esti comes back and reveals to him that she is pregnant, but wants her freedom.

Ronit and Esti attend Rabbi Krushka's hesped (eulogy), which is to be given by Dovid. With the entire congregation is in attendance, Dovid, begins to speak but is visibly shaken and emotional and unable to continue from his prepared text. Instead, he continues the sermon on free will that the rabbi was delivering when he passed away. While addressing the congregation and unbeknownst to them, Dovid addresses Esti directly and tells her that she is free. Dovid ends abruptly and informs the congregation that he cannot accept the honor and privilege of leading them and to everyone's amazement, exits. Esti finds him outside and they embrace, and are shortly joined by Ronit. Dovid motions for Ronit to come over and the three embrace.

The next morning, Dovid awakes alone in his bedroom. Esti has slept downstairs, on the couch. Ronit is packed and ready to fly back home to New York. When her cab arrives, she says her goodbyes, wishing Dovid and Esti each a "long and happy life". As Ronit's cab is driving away, Esti runs out of the house chasing after her. The cab stops and Esti enters, giving Ronit a final kiss and embrace before sending her on her way. Later Ronit, makes a detour to her father's grave before going to the airport, bidding a final goodbye.

Cast

Production

Development

On 29 September 2016, it was reported that Rachel Weisz was set to produce[1] and star in an adaptation of the Naomi Alderman novel Disobedience; with Ed Guiney and Frida Torresblanco as co-producers, and Sebastián Lelio directing from a script by Lelio and Rebecca Lenkiewicz.[4] On 4 October 2016, Rachel McAdams joined the cast,[5] followed by Alessandro Nivola as McAdams's husband on 7 December 2016.[6] The film was co-financed by Film4 Productions and FilmNation Entertainment.[7] Matthew Herbert joined the production to compose the film score.[8]

Filming

Principal photography on the Irish-British-American production began on 3 January 2017.[7] Filming locations in London included Cricklewood[9] and Hendon.[10]

Release

In May 2017, Curzon Artificial Eye acquired U.K. distribution rights from FilmNation Entertainment, and international distribution rights were acquired by Roadshow (Australia), Mars Films (France), Cinema SRL (Italy), Lev Films (Israel), Pathé (Switzerland), and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions for various territories.[11] Bleecker Street acquired the U.S. distribution rights in September 2017,[12] and Mongrel Media acquired the rights for Canada.[13]

Disobedience had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 10 September 2017.[14][15]

The film premiered in the United States at the Tribeca Film Festival in the Spotlight Narrative section on 24 April 2018.[16][17][18] It was released theatrically in the U.S. as a limited release on 27 April 2018.[19][20]

Disobedience was released in Australia on 14 June 2018.[21] The film is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom on 30 November 2018.[22][23]

Reception

Box office

As of September 9, 2018, Disobedience has grossed $3.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $3.2 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $6.7 million.[2]

The film debuted in five theaters in New York City and Los Angeles and made $241,276 in its opening weekend (a per-venue average of $48k), ranking as the fourth-best opening average for the year to that point, after Isle Of Dogs ($60k), Avengers: Infinity War ($55k) and Black Panther ($50k).[24]

Critical response

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 85% based on 138 reviews, and an average rating of 7.3/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Disobedience explores a variety of thought-provoking themes, bolstered by gripping work from leads Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola."[25] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 74 out of 100, based on 36 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[26]

Andrew Barker of Variety gave the film a positive review, writing that Disobedience "may not catapult Lelio beyond the arthouse world, but it's yet another triumph in what's shaping up to be a major career."[27] David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter also gave the film a positive review writing, "Beautifully acted by Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola as the three points of a melancholy romantic triangle, this is a deeply felt drama that exerts a powerful grip."[28]

Writing for Rolling Stone, Peter Travers gave the film 3.5 stars out of 4, describing it as "a gorgeously acted, written and directed spellbinder ... that never preaches or judges. Without dialogue, Lelio creates a whole world that can be read eloquently and movingly on the faces of two superb actresses who give unstintingly to its creation."[29]

David Ehrlich from IndieWire praised the importance of the subject, the outstanding acting and good direction, saying: "A fraught and emotionally nuanced love story about the tension between the life we’re born into and the one we want for ourselves.... Both Weisz and McAdams do a phenomenal job of negotiating who their characters are versus who their characters feel as though they have to be.... Lelio builds to a beautiful and powerfully ambiguous moment that brings all the major characters together."[30]

Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian praised the performances, direction, and score saying, "Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams and Alessandro Nivola are at the top of their game.... The drama is expertly controlled by Lelio, lit and shot in muted and subdued colour tones by cinematographer Danny Cohen and it has a very interesting musical score by Matthew Herbert.... This is richly satisfying and powerfully acted work."[31]

References

  1. 1 2 Turner, Kyle (27 April 2018). "Weisz Beyond Her Years: From Optioned Novel to Arthouse Drama, Rachel Weisz Nurtured Disobedience at Every Stage". MovieMaker. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  2. 1 2 "Disobedience". Box Office Mojo. 9 September 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  3. ↑ "Disobedience (2018)". Lesbian Interest. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  4. ↑ Kroll, Justin (29 September 2016). "Rachel Weisz to Produce and Star in Adaptation of Naomi Alderman Novel 'Disobedience' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  5. ↑ Kroll, Justin (4 October 2016). "Rachel McAdams to Star With Rachel Weisz in Love Story 'Disobedience' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  6. ↑ Hipes, Patrick (7 December 2016). "Alessandro Nivola In Talks To Join Rachel Weisz & Rachel McAdams In 'Disobedience'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  7. 1 2 Wiseman, Andreas (27 October 2016). "FilmNation, Film4 team on 'Disobedience'". Screen Daily. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  8. ↑ filmmusicreporter (28 July 2017). "Matthew Herbert Scoring Sebastian Lelio's 'Disobedience'". Film Music Reporter. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
  9. ↑ Raffray, Natalie (9 January 2017). "Film crews descend on Cricklewood to shoot big budget movie Disobedience". Brent & Kilburn Times. Archant Community Media. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  10. ↑ St Morris, Michelle (5 February 2017). "Hey, film stars, we're frum, not frumps". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  11. ↑ Hopewell, John (23 May 2017). "Cannes: FilmNation Sells Out Internationally on 'Disobedience,' Untitled Julianne Moore Project (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  12. ↑ Galuppo, Mia (27 September 2017). "Bleecker Street Picks Up 'Disobedience' Starring Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
  13. ↑ Mongrel Media [@MongrelMedia] (1 February 2018). "Sebastián Lelio (A Fantastic Woman, Gloria) directs Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams in this adaptation of Naomi Alderman's novel about a woman who returns home to her orthodox Jewish community in London and rekindles a romance with her cousin's wife. DISOBEDIENCE opens MAY 2018!" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 May 2018 – via Twitter.
  14. ↑ "Disobedience". Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  15. ↑ Toronto International Film Festival [@TIFF_NET] (10 September 2017). "A shining Rachel Weisz, here for the #TIFF17 World Premiere of Sebastián Lelio's lesbian romance DISOBEDIENCE" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 April 2018 – via Twitter.
  16. ↑ "Disobedience". Tribeca Film Festival. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  17. ↑ Yoshida, Emily; Edelstein, David (18 April 2018). "17 Films You Should See at This Year's Tribeca Film Festival". Vulture. New York Media. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  18. ↑ Tribeca Film Festival [@tribeca] (7 March 2018). "#Tribeca2018's Spotlight Narrative section is a launching pad for exciting new independent premieres with a focus on marquee filmmakers and performers. This year, we are honored to showcase artists like @DesireeeAkhavan, @SLelio, @MariannaPalka, and more" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 September 2018 – via Twitter.
  19. ↑ Brooks, Brian (26 April 2018). "Tribeca Bow 'Disobedience' Hits Theaters; Claire Denis & Juliette Binoche 'Let The Sunshine In' – Specialty B.O. Preview". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  20. ↑ N'Duka, Amanda (26 October 2017). "Bleecker Street Sets Release Dates For 'What They Had', 'Disobedience' & More". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  21. ↑ "Australian Release Dates – Upcoming Movies and Cinema Schedules". The Reel Bits. June 2018. Archived from the original on June 21, 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  22. ↑ "Disobedience". Launching Films. Film Distributors' Association. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  23. ↑ Curzon Artificial Eye [@ArtificialEye] (8 May 2018). "Hi there, we'll release Disobedience in the UK on 30 November. It is a little later than in other territories, but we always pick the best date we can to give a film the best chance to be seen" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 May 2018 – via Twitter.
  24. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (29 April 2018). "'Avengers: Infinity War' Conquering 'Force Awakens' With Record $248M-$250M Opening; Posts Record $82M Saturday". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  25. ↑ "Disobedience". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  26. ↑ "Disobedience". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  27. ↑ Barker, Andrew (11 September 2017). "Toronto Film Review: 'Disobedience'". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  28. ↑ Rooney, David (10 September 2017). "'Disobedience': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  29. ↑ Travers, Peter (26 April 2018). "'Disobedience' Review: Forbidden-Love Romance Is Scorching – and Feast For Its Stars". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
  30. ↑ Ehrlich, David (11 September 2017). "'Disobedience' Review: Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams Shine in the Orthodox Jewish 'Carol'". IndieWire. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  31. ↑ Bradshaw, Peter (10 September 2017). "Disobedience review – Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams impress in powerful love story". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
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