One of Us

One of Us is a profound and thought-provoking documentary released in 2017. Rather than offering a standard fictional narrative, the film combines real-life verité and interviews to provide a deep dive into the veiled and tight-knit community of Hasidic Judaism. Produced by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, remarkable filmmakers renowned for their ability to tackle complex and often controversial issues, this film is a valuable addition to the cultural dialogue about religion, identity, and personal freedom.

The film traverses the heart of Brooklyn, New York, the nerve center of Hasidic Judaism, to follow three individuals - Etty, Chani Getter, and Ari Hershkowitz. They are all on the precipice of life-changing transformations that will challenge their faith and their community's beliefs. All are driven by personal convictions, grappling with their faith, identity, and place within their community, ultimately inviting us to ponder life's grand questions.

Etty is a mother of seven who courageously decides to leave an abusive marriage, setting her on a high-tension path of confrontation within the patriarchal community that is resistant to her decision. Her story illuminates the systemic gender biases within such ultra-Orthodox societies, navigating through the challenges faced by women who seek to exercise self-determination against an oppressive system.

Then there is Chani Getter, known for her resilience, an outspoken and brave woman who assists others on the complex path of exiting the community while dealing with her journey's remnants. Once a teenage bride and now openly gay, she serves as a counselor and mentor to others who find themselves tangled in the webs of living strictly between the lines of faith and personal freedom.

Last, we have Ari Hershkowitz, an apt representation of the community's youth who bear the brunt of entrenched traditions and dogma. His road is that of angst and disillusionment, leading him to substance abuse as he tries to make sense of his upbringing and quest for individuality within the parameters of the simultaneous security and limitation of the community.

Through these three poignant narratives, the spectators witness a complex exploration of faith, personal freedom, and the cost of going against the grain within the uniquely insular and strict Hasidic community. The documentary explores the aftermath of leaving this closed environment from multiple angles, sharing a holistic picture of its impact on the individuals and the society from which they estrange themselves.

One of Us shines a light on the obscurity of this pocket of society, opening the doors to an otherwise private and secretive world. It also explores the tension-filled relationship between personal beliefs and community norms, institutional religion, and identity crisis, thereby presenting a balanced sentiment that doesn't directly antagonize or generalize a particular community. Instead, it provides an open-ended narrative, inviting viewers to evaluate the broader cultural and societal implications.

Ewing and Grady, the brains behind this remarkable documentary, are nothing short of commendable for tactfully showcasing these raw trials without sensationalizing the buried truths of this community. Instead of resorting to criticism, they opted for empathy/respect and impartiality, encouraging the audience to ponder on the tests and tribulations faced by the central characters.

The authenticity of the film is magnified by the genuine performances of Etty, Chani Getter, and Ari Hershkowitz, who lend their personal perspectives and, through their painful and hopeful journeys, build an entrancing narrative. Their candid interviews are interspersed with the underlying theme of the quest for freedom, self-expression, and individuality amidst cultural and social constraints.

All in all, One of Us is a compelling cultural examination that intricately straps its audience into the rollercoaster ride of three brave individuals who chose life beyond their community's boundaries. The film's real success lies in its capacity to appeal universally, despite its particular context. A far cry from traditional religious or biographical documentaries, One of Us provides a platform to unheard voices, transforming it into a gripping humanistic tale of courage, the struggle for freedom, and the constant craving for personal expression.