Working Woman

"Working Woman" is an Israeli drama film that came out in 2018, directed by Michal Aviad and starring Liron Ben-Shlush, Menashe Noy, and Oshri Cohen. The film subtly blends together elements of social realism and psychological drama, with its narrative firmly rooted in the topical issue of unwanted workplace advances and its devastating impact on an individual's personal and professional life.

Liron Ben-Shlush delivers an extraordinary performance in the lead role of Orna, a loving wife and mother of three children who is battling to keep her household afloat while her husband, Ofer, portrayed by Oshri Cohen, struggles with the launch of a restaurant. The depth that Ben-Shlush brings into her role, coping with her predicament with grace, resilience, and a sense of inevitability, adds to the emotional heft of the film.

Unexpectedly, Orna finds herself with an opportunity to work for a successful real estate developer, Benny (Menashe Noy). Despite her lack of experience in real estate, her ambitions and the allure of financial stability draws her into this dynamic environment. Benny, appreciative of her versatility and commitment, rewards her industriousness with a promotion. Yet as the narrative unfolds, Benny's intentions start becoming more opaque, and the professional relationship takes an unsettling turn, creating an uneasy atmosphere that adds a layer of psychological complexity to the plot.

"Working Woman" explores the delicate line that separates professional boundaries and personal encroachment. It bravely confronts the issue of workplace harassment, addressing it with much-needed clarity and empathy. It is a tale of resistance and resilience, and at the same time, it shines a light on how these incidents affect the relationships and lives of people who are close to the person affected.

Director Michal Aviad tackles the subject with commendable sensitivity. The film smartly navigates the emotionally tumultuous journey of Orna, painting a vivid picture of her struggle to balance her household, her quest for professional success, and the obligation to maintain her dignity amidst a hostile working environment.

The cinematography of the film complements its narrative flawlessly. The camera work is smooth and understated, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters with optimum subtlety. The dialogues are pointed and realistic, effectively conveying the tense atmosphere of the film in a few words. The setting of the film, especially the architecture and city landscape are significant contributors to the narrative, beautifully portraying the professional world that Orna is trying to navigate.

Liron Ben-Shlush's performance as Orna is heartrending yet empowering. She brilliantly portrays a woman who is trying to keep her world together despite the insurmountable pressure. Menashe Noy as Benny is appallingly convincing. He brings a menacing subtlety to his character, making the antagonist disquietingly real. The interactions between the characters are meticulously crafted, mirroring the cinematic realism that Aviad aims to achieve in her storyline.

Supporting performances are remarkable, especially Oshri Cohen as Ofer, reflecting the conflicted nature of a supportive husband, stuck between his desires for his wife's attainment of professional success and the fear of losing his family's balance.

"Working Woman" is more than a film. It's a subtle but profound look at a prevalent issue that needs urgent attention. Its power lies in its ability to get the audience to empathize with and comprehend the situations women often find themselves in, without resorting to excessive theatrics.

This film is not merely an engaging watch but also a conversation starter that would encourage the discussion and eventual abolition of such pervasive problems. Through it, Aviad delicifies a challenging conversation around the glimmer of hope that often lights up the journey of silent warriors like Orna, continuously struggling to maintain their dignity in a hostile world.

In conclusion, "Working Woman" is a powerful film with an essential message, carried out by excellent performances and skillful direction. Its somber mood and compelling narrative are sure to leave a lasting impact on its viewers.