Next To Her

Next To Her is a piercing Israeli drama released in 2014, directed by Asaf Korman and written by Liron Ben-Shlush. The film stars Liron Ben-Shlush, Dana Ivgy, and Yaakov Zada-Daniel.

The narrative revolves around the survival story of two sisters whose relationship is tested to its extremities. We encounter Chelli (Liron Ben-Shlush), an industrious and resilient high school security worker, who spends each day trying to provide for her mentally challenged sister, Gabby (Dana Ivgy).

Chelli and Gabby share a cramped apartment in Haifa, Israel. Chelli has entirely dedicated her life to protect and take care of Gabby since their mother's death. She is determined to keep Gabby out of a day-care centre, convinced she doesn't belong there. This determination and the circumstances steer Chelli into utter loneliness, even though she is never alone.

However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Chelli meets a new substitute teacher at school, Zohar (Yaakov Zada-Daniel). Charmingly aloof and with a sense of unwavering calmness, Zohar begins to fill the void in Chelli's life. His loving but headfast approach towards Gabby challenges Chelli's role as a caretaker and her entire worldview.

Further complicating Chelli's life, the schools decide that Gabby needs to be under professional care or attend a specialist. Zohar champions this idea, but it conflicts heavily with Chelli's belief. This delicate situation moves the narrative forward, testing the relationship between the sisters, Chelli's bond with Zohar, and her understanding of herself.

Next To Her is a delicate portrayal of care, dominance, adjustments and sacrifice within a familial relationship. Director Asaf Korman has masterfully captured the contradicting emotions, the awkwardness between loved ones and the rawness of reality using a minimalistic cinema language. The film’s unfussy style and naturalistic performances successfully hones our focus onto the central characters.

The film brings to life a very subtle aspect of human bonding and our different interpretations of betterment. The complexity of Chelli's world is quite palpable as the movie progresses.

Liron Ben-Shlush, besides writing a beautiful screenplay, sparkles as Chelli on screen. Her portrayal of a caring sister whose life is seemingly stuck in monotony and absolute dedication towards her sibling is genuinely heartfelt.

Equally commendable is Dana Ivgy's portrayal of Gabby. Ivgy nods to an impeccable stand-out performance, shedding the actor's skin and stepping into Gabby's shoes. It’s another example of the power of Ivgy, complex and compelling performances as fresh and profound as Next to Her requires performers to do justice to its protagonists.

Yaakov Zada-Daniel, as Zohar, enhances the movie further. Being the outsider, he is the window through which the audience steps into Chelli's world. His gentle strength and quiet patience are a perfect foil to Chelli's rough edges, thus adding an extra layer to the narrative dynamics.

The cinematography of the film plays a vital role in depicting the small universe of these characters. The dull lighting, scruffy environments, and up-close frames make the audience more aligned with the sisters' lives, and magnifies the emotional turbulence of their situation.

Next To Her is not just about the love between two siblings, or about the challenges in taking care of a disabled family member. It's about exploring the dynamics of human relationships, and how that can bring about moments of fragility and self-realisation. The film might make the audience uncomfortable at times with its stark depiction of a real-life scenario. However, the impressive performances and the sublime storytelling will certainly keep you hooked.

On the larger scale, it is a portrayal of human resilience and our undying attempt to find love and hope in the gloomiest of situations. The plot navigates through the complexities of caring for someone with a disability, challenges societal norms, and looks at how people find love in places they least expect, all while showcasing a powerful sisterly bond. It's hard-hitting, thought-provoking, and deeply moving. A must-watch for those who appreciate provocative, character-driven narratives.