The Cousin

The Cousin is an Israeli comedy-drama film released in 2017. Directed by Tzahi Grad, the film also stars Grad himself alongside Ala Dakka and Osnat Fishman, among others. Described as a touching and thought-provoking satire, The Cousin aims to provide a profound commentary on prejudice, bias, and the trials of coexistence.

Set in a modest, seemingly tranquil Israeli village, the story unfolds around Naftali, our protagonist, played by Tzahi Grad, a media-savvy progressive man who is inherently sympathetic and interested in promoting peace by advocating coexistence between Jews and Arabs. Naftali's business involves renting culture-specific party accessories and producing reality shows that celebrate co-operation and unity between seemingly disparate cultural groups. In a bid to contribute to his community's beautification and promote cultural exchange, he decides to hire a local Palestinian day laborer to revamp his dilapidated studio.

The character of the laborer, Fahed, is portrayed by Ala Dakka. A well-meaning stranger in town, he's tasked with the job of renovating Naftali's shabby backyard studio. The situation, however, takes a drastic twist, propelling the film to its main narrative arc. A young Jewish girl from the community is assaulted, and the stranger in town, Fahed, becomes the immediate suspect due to his outsider status. As the news travels, some colorfully disparate members of the community, each with their biases and discomfort, swiftly transition from skeptical to openly hostile, causing tensions to flare and trouble to ensue.

Osnat Fishman plays Shavit, Naftali's outspoken wife, who initially takes a more hard-line stance than her husband when it comes to the situation. While these characters are at the epicenter of the events that unfold, the film is enlivened by an ensemble of well-developed secondary characters who echo a broad spectrum of opinions and prejudices present in society as a whole.

The Cousin is an anthropological dissection of a community’s response to racial uncertainty and a challenging examination of human nature. It invites the audience into a discomforting yet necessary introspection about bias, intolerance, half-truths, rumor-driven mob mentality, and the ease with which one can be swayed by these factors.

Tzahi Grad delivers a charismatic performance as a liberal intellectual in an unforgiving situation, while Ala Dakka is commendable as Fahed, webbed in discrimination and prejudice. Osnat Fishman, with her performance as Shavit, adds to the gravity of the scenario at hand. Grad's direction is noteworthy, keeping a lighter tone despite involving a serious plot and managing to strike the right balance with humor and poignant commentary.

The dialogue in the film often unfolds in a unique mix of Hebrew and Arabic, immersing the viewers more effectively into the region's socio-cultural environment. Most of the film takes place at the protagonist's house, giving an almost 'theatrical' feel to the events, conveying the present sentiments of cultural and racial tension in Israel and beyond.

The film has resonated with many national and international audiences, as it bravely ventures into a sensitive subject matter and addresses some of the most pressing obstacles to peaceful co-existence. Although it is set in a particular region, the film's themes are universal, and viewers from across the globe can relate to it.

The Cousin is for viewers looking to explore the intricacies of human dynamics in precarious social environments. The film continues to be acclaimed for its poignant comedy, accurate portrayal of cultural tensions, and engaging storytelling with a powerful socio-political message. It nuances the notion that the root of most conflict might lie not in the difference of opinions but rather in the refusal to understand and appreciate the 'other'.

In summary, The Cousin is an engaging, powerful, and thought-provoking film that adeptly balances its social commentary with effective humor, delivering an entertaining yet insightful experience. It invites viewers to come face-to-face with inherent biases and prejudices, urging them to widen their perspectives and foster understanding among diverse cultural communities.