Joe Belle

Joe + Belle is a 2011 dark romantic comedy from Israel, skilfully crafted by director Veronica Kedar, who also stars in the movie next to Sivan Levy and Romi Aboulafia. It's an offbeat and quirky story, effectively countering conventional expectations of love and connection, leading the viewer onto an unconventional and surprising journey.

The story of Joe + Belle opens in the underbelly of the bustling city of Tel Aviv, a world away from the tourist hotspots and pristine beaches which are typically associated with this vibrant Middle Eastern metropolis. This backdrop serves as a perfect allegory for the main character themselves - Joe (played by Veronica Kedar), a drug dealer living a life on the fringes of society with a past shrouded in mystery.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Joe accidentally crosses paths with a suicidal French woman named Belle (Sivan Levy). Belle, lost and desperate, is trying to escape an especially dark past. She's a stark contrast to the seemingly heartless Joe, yet they find an inexplicable bond in their mutual loneliness and chaos.

Blending in the genres of romance, drama, and dark comedy, the movie delves into unchartered territories by bringing together these two polar opposite personalities. The resolution of the movie is also unconventional as it tries not to romanticise their situations, instead of remarkably presenting them as they are - two broken people coming together in the midst of chaos and trying to make sense of their lives.

Veronica Kedar’s performance as Joe deserves a special mention for its gritty authenticity. She is coarse yet has a certain vulnerability that lends depth to the character. Sivan Levy’s Belle is fraught with complexities, and she portrays the emotional spectrum of her character with conviction and sensitivity. The chemistry between Joe and Belle is palpable, and their unusual love story is likely to elicit a range of emotions from the audience.

Despite the bleak and despairing circumstances under which the two protagonists live, Joe + Belle masterfully injects moments of deadpan humor that lighten the harsh realities of the plot. The director uses these moments to relieve mounting tension and to present a slightly skewed but enduring tale of love and survival in a turbulent world.

The narrative is also enhanced by the immersive cinematography that juxtaposes the bleak and somber reality of the protagonist’s life against the vibrant, fast-paced life of Tel Aviv. The juxtaposition is highlighted even further by juxtaposing snippets of daily life of the city with the clandestine, almost invisible existence of the protagonists.

While Joe + Belle is a love story at its core, it transcends the traditional confines of the genre to explore themes of self-discovery, loneliness, survival and the need for companionship. The movie features some darker elements like drugs, suicide, and crime, which might make it unsuitable for younger audiences. However, it should be worth watching for anyone who enjoys non-traditional narratives told from an unusual perspective.

In essence, Joe + Belle, is a poignant portrait of two broken humans finding each other amidst the chaos of their lives. It deals with complex themes and is marked by striking performances and an earnest storytelling approach. The wild ride of Joe and Belle through the underbelly of Tel Aviv will leave you pondering the nature of love, friendship, and the human capacity for resilience.